Antibodies to IL-6 to inhibit or treat inflammation

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others.

RELATED APPLICATION DISCLOSURE

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/502,581 filed Jul. 14, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,323,649)which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos.61/117,861, 61/117,839, and 61/117,811, each filed Nov. 25, 2008, thedisclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The sequence listing in the file named “43272ol1805.txt” having a sizeof 341,671 bytes that was created Apr. 3, 2014 is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Art

This invention is an extension of Applicants' prior invention disclosedin the above-referenced patent applications relating to novel anti-IL-6antibodies, novel therapies and therapeutic protocols utilizinganti-IL-6 antibodies, and pharmaceutical formulations containinganti-IL-6 antibodies. In preferred embodiments, an anti-IL-6 antibody isAb1, which includes rabbit or humanized forms thereof, as well as heavychains, light chains, fragments, variants, and CDRs thereof, or anantibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to the same linearor conformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6 polypeptidefragment thereof as Ab1. Preferably, the anti-IL-6 antibody is an IL-6antagonist.

In preferred embodiments, the anti-IL-6 antibody has an in vivohalf-life of at least about 25 days, an in vivo effect of raisingalbumin, has an in vivo effect of lowering C-reactive protein, has an invivo effect of restoring a normal coagulation profile, possesses abinding affinity (Kd) for IL-6 of less than about 50 picomolar, and/orhas a rate of dissociation (K_(off)) from IL-6 of less than or equal to10⁻⁴ S⁻¹.

The invention also pertains to methods of screening for diseases anddisorders associated with IL-6, and methods of preventing or treatingdiseases or disorders associated with IL-6 by administering saidantibody or a fragment or a variant thereof.

In one aspect, this invention pertains to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof,comprising administering to the patient an anti-IL-6 antibody, such asAb1 or a fragment or variant thereof, whereby the patient's C-reactiveprotein (“CRP”) level is lowered, and/or the patient's albumin level israised, and optionally monitoring the patient to determine the patient'sCRP and/or albumin level.

In another aspect, this invention relates to methods of lowering theC-reactive protein level in a patient in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1, whereby thepatient's CRP level is lowered, and monitoring the patient to assess theCRP level. In another aspect, this invention relates to methods ofraising the albumin level in a patient in need thereof, comprisingadministering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1, whereby thepatient's serum albumin level is raised, and monitoring the patient toassess the albumin level.

In another aspect, this invention pertains to methods of preventing ortreating cachexia, weakness, fatigue, and/or fever in a patient in needthereof, e.g., a patient showing elevated CRP levels, comprisingadministering to the patient an anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof, whereby the patient's cachexia, weakness, fatigue,and/or fever is improved or restored to a normal condition, andoptionally monitoring the patient to assess cachexia, weakness, fatigue,and/or fever.

In another embodiment, this invention pertains to methods of preventingor treating thrombosis in a patient in a state of hypercoagulation,comprising administering to the patient an anti-IL-6 antibody, such asAb1 or a fragment or variant thereof, whereby the patient's coagulationprofile is improved or restored to a normal condition, and optionallymonitoring the patient to assess coagulation profile.

In another aspect the invention provides novel pharmaceuticalcompositions and their use in novel combination therapies and comprisingadministration of an anti-IL-6 antibody, such as Ab1 or a fragment orvariant thereof, and at least one other therapeutic compound such as astatin, anti-coagulant, anti-emetic, anti-nausea agent, anti-cachexiaagent, chemotherapy agent, anti-cytokine agent, etc.

2. Description of Related Art

Weight loss, fatigue, and muscular weakness are very common symptoms ofpatients with advanced forms of cancer, and these symptoms can worsen asthe cancer continues to progress. Fatigue, weight loss and muscularweakness can have significant negative effects on the recovery ofpatients with advanced forms of cancer, for example by disruptinglifestyles and relationships and affecting the willingness or ability ofpatients to continue cancer treatments. Known methods of addressingfatigue, weight loss and muscular weakness include regular routines offitness and exercise, methods of conserving the patient's energy, andtreatments that address anemia-induced fatigue and muscular weakness.Nevertheless, there remains a need in the art for methods and/ortreatments that improve fatigue, weight loss and muscular weakness incancer patients.

Thrombosis is a significant cause of mortality in cancer patients. Bick,N Engl J Med 349:109-111 (2003). For example, serious, life-threateningthrombotic events occur in approximately 6% of lung cancer patients.Alguire et al., J Clin Oncol 2004 Vol 22 (July 15th Supplement) No. 14S:8082. Cancer patients often exhibit hypercoagulation, in which thecoagulation system has an increased clotting tendency. Rickles andEdwards, Blood 62:14-31 (1983). Markers of hypercoagulation correlatewith poor patient outcome for at least some cancers. Bick, Semin ThrombHemostat 18:353-372 (1992); Buccheri et al., Cancer 97:3044-3052 (2003);Wojtukiewicz, Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 3:429-437 (1992). Causes ofhypercoagulation include the cancer itself and the cancer treatments(e.g., chemotherapy). Hypercoagulation results in an increased risk ofthrombitic events, which can be further exacerbated when patients becomebed-ridden. When not contraindicated, anticoagulant therapy hasconferred survival benefit in some cancers. Lebeau et al., Cancer74:38-45 (1994); Chahinian et al., J Clin Oncol 7:993-1002 (1989).However, therapeutic options are often limited because many cancerpatients are at an elevated risk of major bleeding, precludingadministration of anticoagulants that could otherwise be givenprophylactically to reduce the risk of thrombosis. In summary, theavailable methods for prevention of thrombosis in cancer patients areunsatisfactory, and thus there is a need for new therapies. Suchtherapies would enhance cancer patient survival and promote betterquality of life.

Thrombosis can also be a significant cause of adverse events andmortality in other patient groups, including those with chronic illnessor chronic inflammation, surgical patients, bed-ridden individuals, andorthopedic patients. When they are not otherwise contraindicated,preventative methods include calf compression and anticoagulants (e.g.low molecular weight heparin). These preventative methods can reduce—butnot eliminate—the risk of thrombosis. Because these preventative methodsare not always effective and are contraindicated for some patients, andbecause anticoagulants can cause potentially lethal side-effects such asmajor bleeding, there is a need for alternative methods to preventthrombosis in these patients. Such methods should improve patientoutcomes.

Interleukin-6 (hereinafter “IL-6”) (also known as interferon-i2; B-celldifferentiation factor; B-cell stimulatory factor-2; hepatocytestimulatory factor; hybridoma growth factor; and plasmacytoma growthfactor) is a multifunctional cytokine involved in numerous biologicalprocesses such as the regulation of the acute inflammatory response, themodulation of specific immune responses including B- and T-celldifferentiation, bone metabolism, thrombopoiesis, epidermalproliferation, menses, neuronal cell differentiation, neuroprotection,aging, cancer, and the inflammatory reaction occurring in Alzheimer'sdisease. See A. Papassotiropoulos et al, Neurobiology of Aging,22.863-871 (2001).

IL-6 is a member of a family of cytokines that promote cellularresponses through a receptor complex consisting of at least one subunitof the signal-transducing glycoprotein gp130 and the IL-6 receptor(“IL-6R”) (also known as gp80). The IL-6R may also be present in asoluble form (“sIL-6R”). IL-6 binds to IL-6R, which then dimerizes thesignal-transducing receptor gp130. See Jones, S A, J. Immunology,175:3463-3468 (2005).

In humans, the gene encoding IL-6 is organized in five exons and fourintrons, and maps to the short arm of chromosome 7 at 7p21. Translationof IL-6 RNA and post-translational processing result in the formation ofa 21 to 28 kDa protein with 184 amino acids in its mature form. See A.Papassotiropoulos, et al, Neurobiology of Aging, 22:863-871 (2001).

As set forth in greater detail herein IL-6 is believed to play a role inthe development of a multitude of diseases and disorders, including butnot limited to fatigue, cachexia, autoimmune diseases, diseases of theskeletal system, cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, asthma,alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Due to the perceivedinvolvement of IL-6 in a wide range of diseases and disorders, thereremains a need in the art for compositions and methods useful forpreventing or treating diseases associated with IL-6, as well as methodsof screening to identify patients having diseases or disordersassociated with IL-6. Particularly preferred anti-IL-6 compositions arethose having minimal or minimizing adverse reactions when administeredto the patient. Compositions or methods that reduce or inhibit diseasesor disorders associated with IL-6 are beneficial to the patient in needthereof.

The function of IL-6 is not restricted to the immune response as it actsin hematopoiesis, thrombopoiesis, osteoclast formation, elicitation ofhepatic acute phase response resulting in the elevation of C-reactiveprotein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) protein. It is known to be agrowth factor for epidermal keratinocytes, renal mesangial cells,myeloma and plasmacytoma cells (Grossman et al., 1989 Prot Natl AcadSci., 86, (16) 6367-6371; Horii et al., 1989, J Immunol, 143, 12,3949-3955; Kawano et al., 1988, Nature 332, 6159, 83-85). IL-6 isproduced by a wide range of cell types including monocytes/macrophages,fibroblasts, epidermal keratinocytes, vascular endothelial cells, renalmessangial cells, glial cells, condrocytes, T and B-cells and sometumour cells (Akira et al, 1990, FASEB J., 4, 11, 2860-2867). Except fortumour cells that constitutively produce IL-6, normal cells do notexpress IL-6 unless appropriately stimulated.

Elevated IL-6 levels have been observed in many types of cancer,including breast cancer, leukemia, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer,pancreatic cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma,colorectal cancer, and multiple myeloma (e.g., Chopra et al., 2004,MJAFI 60:45-49; Songur et al., 2004, Tumori 90:196-200; Blay et al.,1992, Cancer Research 52:3317-3322; Nikiteas et al., 2005, World J.Gasterenterol. 11:1639-1643; reviewed in Heikkila et al., 2008, Eur JCancer, 44:937-945). As noted above, IL-6 is known or suspected to playa role in promoting proliferation or survival of at least some types ofcancer. Moreover, some of these studies have demonstrated correlationbetween IL-6 levels and patient outcome. Together, these results suggestthe possibility that inhibition of IL-6 can be therapeuticallybeneficial. Indeed, clinical studies (reviewed in Trikha et al., 2003,Clinical Cancer Research 9:4653-4665) have shown some improvement inpatient outcomes due to administration of various anti-IL-6 antibodies,particularly in those cancers in which IL-6 plays a direct rolepromoting cancer cell proliferation or survival.

As noted above, IL-6 stimulates the hepatic acute phase response,resulting in increased production of CRP and elevated serum CRP levels.For this reason, C-reactive protein (CRP) has been reported to comprisea surrogate marker of IL-6 activity. Thus, elevated IL-6 activity can bedetected through measurement of serum CRP. Conversely, effectivesuppression of IL-6 activity, e.g., through administration of aneutralizing anti-IL-6 antibody, can be detected by the resultingdecrease in serum CRP levels.

A recent clinical trial demonstrated that administration of rosuvastatinto apparently healthy individuals having elevated CRP (greater than 2.0mg/I) reduced their CRP levels by 37% and greatly decreased theincidence of myocardial infarction, stroke, arterial revascularization,hospitalization for unstable angina, or death from cardiovascularcauses. Ridker et al., N Engl J Med. 2008 Nov. 9 [Epub ahead of print].

In addition to its direct role in pathogenesis of some cancers and otherdiseases, chronically elevated IL-6 levels appear to adversely affectpatient well-being and quality of life. For example, elevated IL-6levels have been reported to be associated with cachexia and fever, andreduced serum albumin. Gauldie et al., 1987, PNAS 84:7251-7253; Heinricet al., 1990, 265:621-636; Zamir et al., 1993, Metabolism 42:204-208;Zamir et al., 1992, Arch Surg, 127:170-174. Inhibition of IL-6 by aneutralizing antibody has been reported to ameliorate fever and cachexiain cancer patients, though improvement in these patients' serum albuminlevel has not been reported (Emille et al., 1994, Blood, 84:2472-2479;Blay et al., 1992, Cancer Research 52:3317-3322; Bataille et al., 1995,Blood, 86: 685-691).

Numerous studies have suggested that CRP is a valuable prognostic factorin cancer patients, with elevated CRP levels predicting poor outcome.See, e.g., Hefler et al, Clin Cancer Res, 2008 Feb. 1; 14(3):710-4;Nagaoka et al, Liver Int, 2007 October; 27(8):1091-7; Heikkill et al, JEpidemiol Community Health, 2007 September; 61(9):824-33, Review; Haraet al, Anticancer Res, 2007 July-August; 27(4C):3001-4; Polterauer etal, Gynecol Oncol, 2007 October; 107(1):114-7, Epub 2007 Jul. 6;Tingstedt et al, Scand J Gastroenterol, 2007 June; 42(6):754-9; Suh etal, Support Care Cancer, 2007 June; 15(6):613-20, Epub 2007 Jan. 18;Gerhardt et al, World J Gastroenterol, 2006 Sep. 14; 12(34):5495-500;McArdle et al, Urol Int, 2006; 77(2):127-9; Guillem et al, DisEsophagus, 2005; 18(3):146-50; Brown et al, Cancer, 2005 Jan. 15;103(2):377-82. Decreased serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is alsoassociated with increased morbidity and mortality in many criticalillnesses, including cancers (e.g., Vigano et al., Arch Intern Med, 2000Mar. 27; 160(6):861-8; Hauser et al., Support Care Cancer, 2006 October;14(10):999-1011; Seve et al., Cancer, 2006 Dec. 1; 107(11):2698-705).The apparent link between hypoalbuminemia and poor patient outcome mightsuggest that restoring albumin levels through direct albumin infusioncould promote patient survival, however, albumin infusion alone has notimproved survival of patients with advanced cancer (Demirkazik et al.,Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol 21: 2002 (abstr 2892)) or other critically illpatients groups (reviewed in Wilkes et al., Ann Intern Med, 2001 Aug. 7;135(3):149-64).

The Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) is an inflammation-based prognosticscore that combines levels of albumin (<35 mg/L=1 point) and CRP (>10mg/L=1 point) (Forrest et al., Br J Cancer, 2004 May 4; 90(9):1704-6).Since its introduction in 2004, the Glasgow Prognostic Score has alreadybeen shown to have prognostic value as a predictor of mortality innumerous cancers, including gastro-oesophageal cancer, non-small-celllung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer,bronchogenic cancer, and metastatic renal cancer (Forrest et al., Br JCancer, 2004 May 4; 90(9):1704-6; Sharma et al., Clin Colorectal Cancer,2008 September; 7(5):331-7; Sharma et al., Eur J Cancer, 2008 January;44(2):251-6; McMillan et al., Nutr Cancer, 2001; 41(1-2):64-9; McMillan,Proc Nutr Soc, 2008 August; 67(3):257-62; Ramsey et al., Cancer, 2007Jan. 15; 109(2):205-12). Because the combination of elevated CRP andreduced albumin predicts cancer patient mortality, a treatment that bothlowers CRP and raises albumin would suggest a strong possibility of alsopromoting patient survival.

U.S. patent application publication no. 20080081041 (relating totreatment of cancer using an anti-IL-6 antibody) discloses that sinceIL-6 is associated with disease activity and since CRP is a surrogatemarker of IL-6 activity, sustained suppression of CRP by neutralizationof IL-6 by their anti-IL-6 antibody (CNTO 328, Zaki et al., Int JCancer, 2004 Sep. 10; 11(4):592-5) may be assumed necessary to achievebiological activity. The same patent application indicates that therelationship between IL-6 and CRP in patients with benign and malignantprostate disease was previously examined by McArdle (McArdle et al. 2004Br J Cancer 91(10):1755-1757). McArdle reportedly found no significantdifferences between the concentrations of IL-6 and CRP in the patientswith benign disease compared with prostate cancer patients, in thecancer patients there was a significant increase in both IL-6 and CRPconcentration with increasing tumor grade. The median serum CRP valuefor the 86 subjects with prostate cancer was 1.8 mg/L. Based thereon theinventors in this patent application postulate a proposed dose andschedule wherein 6 mg/kg of an anti-IL-6 antibody (CNTO 328) isadministered every 2 weeks and allege that this is likely to achievesustained suppression of CRP in subjects with metastatic HRPC.

IL-6 signaling is mediated by the Jak-Tyk family of cytoplasmic tyrosinekinases, including JAK1, JAK2, and JAK3 (reviewed in Murray J Immunol.2007 Mar. 1; 178(5):2623-9). Sivash et al. report abrogation ofIL-6-mediated JAK signalling by the cyclopentenone prostaglandin15d-PGJ₂ in oral squamous carcinoma cells. British Journal of Cancer(2004) 91, 1074-1080. These results suggest that inhibitors of JAK1,JAK2, or JAK3 could be employed as antagonists of IL-6.

Ulanova et al. report that inhibition of the nonreceptor proteintyrosine kinase Syk (using siRNA) decreased production of IL-6 byepithelial cells. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol. 2005 March;288(3):L497-507. These results suggest that an inhibitor of Syk could beemployed as an antagonist of IL-6.

Kedar et al. report that treatment with thalidomide significantlyreduced serum levels of CRP and IL-6 to normal or near normal levels ina substantial fraction of renal cell carcinoma patients. Int J Cancer.2004 Jun. 10; 110(2):260-5. These results suggest that thalidomide, andpossibly derivatives thereof, such as lenalidomide, may be usefulantagonists of IL-6.

In addition, another published patent application, US 20070292420teaches a Phase I dose escalating study using an anti-IL-6 (cCLB-8)antibody for treating refractory patients with advanced stage multiplemyeloma (N=12) and indicate that this study demonstrated that somepatients had disease stabilization. The application also reports thatafter discontinuation of treatment there was acceleration in theincrease of M protein levels, suggesting disease re-bound after thewithdrawal of therapy. Anti-IL-6 cCLB-8 antibody inhibited freecirculating IL-6.

The application also indicates that this antibody trial resulted in notoxicity (except transient thrombocytopenia in two heavily pretreatedpatients) or allergic reactions were observed and that C-reactiveprotein (CRP) decreased below detection level in all patients. Theirantibody (cCLB-8 antibody) reportedly possessed a circulating half-lifeof 17.8 days, and that there was no human anti-chimeric antibody (HACA)immune response observed (van Zaanen et al. 1998). They allege that theadministration of CNTO 328 did not cause changes in blood pressure,pulse rate, temperature, hemoglobin, liver functions and renalfunctions. Except for transient thrombocytopenia in two heavilypretreated patients, no toxicity or allergic reactions allegedly wereobserved, and there was no human anti-chimeric antibody (HACA) immuneresponse observed. Three patients in their study reportedly developedinfection-related complications during therapy, however, a possiblerelation with anti-IL-6 cCLB-8 antibody was concluded by the inventorsto be unlikely because infectious complications are reportedly common inend stage multiple myeloma and are a major cause of death. They concludebased on their results that this anti-IL-6 cCLB-8 antibody was safe inmultiple myeloma patients.

Certain of the anti-IL-6 antibodies disclosed herein have also beendisclosed in the following published and unpublished patentapplications, which are co-owned by the assignee of the presentapplication: U.S. 2009/0028784, WO 2008/144763, U.S. Ser. No. 12/391,717filed Feb. 24, 2009, and U.S. Ser. No. 12/366,567 filed Feb. 5, 2009.

Other anti-IL-6 antibodies have been disclosed in the following U.S.patents and published patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,482,436;7,291,721; 6,121,423; 2008/0075726; 2007/0178098; 2007/0154481;2006/0257407; and 2006/0188502.

As noted above, elevated IL-6 has been implicated in pathogenesis ofcachexia, weakness, fatigue, and fever. Diseases and disordersassociated with fatigue include, but are not limited to, generalfatigue, exercise-induced fatigue, cancer-related fatigue, inflammatorydisease-related fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome. See, for example,Esper D H, et al, The cancer cachexia syndrome: a review of metabolicand clinical manifestations, Nutr Clin Pract., 2005 August; 20(4):369-76; Vgontzas A N, et al, IL-6 and its circadian secretion inhumans, Neuroimmunomodulation, 2005; 12(3):131-40; Robson-Ansley, P J,et al, Acute interleukin-6 administration impairs athletic performancein healthy, trained male runners, Can J Appl Physiol., 2004 August;29(4):411-8; Shephard R J., Cytokine responses to physical activity,with particular reference to IL-6: sources, actions, and clinicalimplications, Crit Rev Immunol., 2002; 22(3):165-82; Arnold, M C, et al,Using an interleukin-6 challenge to evaluate neuropsychologicalperformance in chronic fatigue syndrome, Psychol Med., 2002 August;32(6):1075-89; Kurzrock R., The role of cytokines in cancer-relatedfatigue, Cancer, 2001 Sep. 15; 92(6 Suppl):1684-8; Nishimoto N, et al,Improvement in Castleman's disease by humanized anti-interleukin-6receptor antibody therapy, Blood, 2000 Jan. 1; 95 (1):56-61; Vgontzas AN, el al. Circadian interleukin-6 secretion and quantity and depth ofsleep, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 1999 August; 84(8):2603-7; andSpath-Schwalbe E, et al, Acute effects of recombinant human interleukin6 on endocrine and central nervous sleep functions in healthy men, JClin Endocrinol Metab., 1998 May; 83(5):1573-9; the disclosures of eachof which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Diseases and disorders associated with cachexia include, but are notlimited to, cancer-related cachexia, cardiac-related cachexia,respiratory-related cachexia, renal-related cachexia and age-relatedcachexia. See, for example, Barton, B E., Interleukin-6 and newstrategies for the treatment of cancer, hyperproliferative diseases andparaneoplastic syndromes, Expert Opin Ther Targets, 2005 August;9(4):737-52; Zaki M H, et al, CNTO 328, a monoclonal antibody to IL-6,inhibits human tumor-induced cachexia in nude mice, Int J Cancer, 2004Sep. 10; 111(4):592-5; Trikha M, et al, Targeted anti-interleukin-6monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer: a review of the rationale andclinical evidence, Clin Cancer Res., 2003 Oct. 15; 9(13):4653-65; LelliG, et al, Treatment of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome: a criticalreappraisal, J Chemother., 2003 June; 15(3):220-5; Argiles J M, et al,Cytokines in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, Curr Opin Clin NutrMetab Care, 2003 July; 6(4):401-6; Barton B E., IL-6-like cytokines andcancer cachexia: consequences of chronic inflammation, Immunol Res.,2001; 23(1):41-58; Yamashita J I, et al, Medroxyprogesterone acetate andcancer cachexia: interleukin-6 involvement, Breast Cancer, 2000; 7(2):130-5; Yeh S S, et al, Geriatric cachexia: the role of cytokines, Am JClin Nutr., 1999 August; 70(2):183-97; Strassmann G, et al, Inhibitionof experimental cancer cachexia by anti-cytokine andanti-cytokine-receptor therapy, Cytokines Mol Ther., 1995 June;1(2):107-13; Fujita J, et al, Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodyprevents muscle atrophy in colon-26 adenocarcinoma-bearing mice withmodulation of lysosomal and ATP-ubiquitin-dependent proteolyticpathways, Int J Cancer, 1996 Nov. 27; 68(5):637-43; Tsujinaka T, et al,Interleukin 6 receptor antibody inhibits muscle atrophy and modulatesproteolytic systems in interleukin 6 transgenic mice, J Clin Invest.,1996 Jan. 1; 97(1):244-9; Emilie D, et al, Administration of ananti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody to patients with acquiredimmunodeficiency syndrome and lymphoma: effect on lymphoma growth and onB clinical Symptoms, Blood, 1994 Oct. 15; 84 (8):2472-9; and StrassmannG, et al, Evidence for the involvement of interleukin 6 in experimentalcancer cachexia, J Clin Invest., 1992 May; 89(5): 1681-4; thedisclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

Another cachexia-related disease is failure to thrive, also known asfaltering growth, in which a child exhibits a rate of weight gain lessthan expected. Failure to thrive is typically defined as weight belowthe third percentile or a decrease in the percentile rank of 2 majorgrowth parameters in a short period. Failure to thrive results fromheterogeneous medical and psychosocial causes, and the cause sometimeseludes diagnosis. One recent study (totaling 34 patients) reported astatistically significant elevation in IL-6 levels in patients diagnosedwith failure to thrive. Shaoul et al. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.,2003 October; 37(4):487-91.

SUMMARY

The present invention is an extension of Applicants' previous inventionwhich is directed to specific antibodies and fragments and variantsthereof having binding specificity for IL-6, in particular antibodieshaving specific epitopic specificity and/or functional properties andnovel therapies using these and other anti-IL-6 antibodies. Oneembodiment of the invention encompasses specific humanized antibodiesand fragments and variants thereof capable of binding to IL-6 and/or theIL-6/IL-6R complex. These antibodies may bind soluble IL-6 or cellsurface expressed IL-6. Also, these antibodies may inhibit the formationor the biological effects of one or more of IL-6, IL-6/IL-6R complexes,IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 complexes and/or multimers of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130. Thepresent invention relates to novel therapies and therapeutic protocolsusing anti-IL-6 antibodies, preferably those described herein. Inparticular, the present invention pertains to methods of preventing ortreating thrombosis in a patient in need thereof, e.g., a patientshowing elevated D-dimer and/or CRP levels prior to treatment,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist, such asthose identified infra, e.g., an anti-IL-6 antibody (such as Ab1) orantibody fragment or variant thereof, whereby the patient's coagulationprofile is improved or restored to a normal condition. In someembodiments these methods may further include the administration ofother actives such as statins that may further help (synergize) with theIL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 and thereby more effectively treat orprevent thrombosis.

The present invention also pertains to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof, e.g., apatient showing elevated CRP levels and/or lowered albumin levels,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist, such asthose identified infra, e.g., an anti-IL-6 antibody (e.g., Ab1) orantibody fragment or variant thereof, whereby the patient's C-reactiveprotein (“CRP”) level is lowered, and/or the patient's albumin level israised. In some embodiments these methods may further include theadministration of other actives such as statins that may further help(synergize) with the IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 and thereby moreeffectively treat the patient.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to Ab1, including rabbit andhumanized forms thereof, as well as heavy chains, light chains,fragments, variants, and CDRs thereof.

In a preferred embodiment this is effected by the administration of theantibodies described herein, comprising the sequences of the V_(H),V_(L) and CDR polypeptides described herein, and the polynucleotidesencoding them. In more specific embodiments of the invention theseantibodies will block gp130 activation and/or possess binding affinities(Kds) less than 50 picomolar and/or K_(off) values less than or equal to10⁻⁴ S⁻¹.

In another embodiment of the invention these antibodies and humanizedversions will be derived from rabbit immune cells (B lymphocytes) andmay be selected based on their homology (sequence identity) to humangerm line sequences. These antibodies may require minimal or no sequencemodifications, thereby facilitating retention of functional propertiesafter humanization.

In another embodiment of the invention the subject antibodies may beselected based on their activity in functional assays such as IL-6driven T1165 proliferation assays, IL-6 simulated HepG2 haptoglobinproduction assays, and the like. A further embodiment of the inventionis directed to fragments from anti-IL-6 antibodies encompassing V_(H),V_(L) and CDR polypeptides, e.g., derived from rabbit immune cells andthe polynucleotides encoding the same, as well as the use of theseantibody fragments and the polynucleotides encoding them in the creationof novel antibodies and polypeptide compositions capable of recognizingIL-6 and/or IL-6/IL-6R complexes or IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 complexes and/ormultimers thereof.

The invention also contemplates the administration of conjugates ofanti-IL-6 antibodies and binding fragments and variants thereofconjugated to one or more functional or detectable moieties. Theinvention also contemplates methods of making said humanized anti-IL-6or anti-IL-6/IL-6R complex antibodies and binding fragments and variantsthereof. In one embodiment, binding fragments include, but are notlimited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv and scFv fragments.

Embodiments of the invention pertain to the use of anti-IL-6 antibodiesfor the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disordersassociated with IL-6 or aberrant expression thereof. The invention alsocontemplates the use of fragments or variants of anti-IL-6 antibodiesfor the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of diseases and disordersassociated with IL-6 or aberrant expression thereof. Preferred usages ofthe subject antibodies are the treatment and prevention of cancerassociated fatigue, and/or cachexia and rheumatoid arthritis.

Other embodiments of the invention relate to the production of anti-IL-6antibodies in recombinant host cells, preferably diploid yeast such asdiploid Pichia and other yeast strains.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient diagnosed with cancer,comprising administering to the patient an anti-IL-6 antibody orantibody fragment or variant thereof, whereby the patient's serumC-reactive protein (“CRP”) level is reduced, and monitoring the patientto assess the reduction in the patient's serum CRP level, wherein theanti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/orcompete for binding to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) onan intact human IL-6 polypeptide or antibody fragment or variant thereofas an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 andfragments and variants thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of improvingmuscular strength in a patient diagnosed with cancer, comprisingadministering to the patient an anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof, whereby the patient's muscular strength is improved,and monitoring the patient to assess muscular strength, wherein theanti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/orcompete for binding to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) onan intact human IL-6 polypeptide or fragment thereof as an anti-IL-6antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 and fragments andvariants thereof. In such methods preferably the patient's muscularstrength is improved by at least about 15% within approximately 4 weeksof administering the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variantthereof, as measured by the Hand Grip Strength test and more preferablythe patient's muscular strength is improved by at least about 20% withinapproximately 4 weeks of administering the anti-IL-6 antibody orantibody fragment or variant thereof, as measured by the Hand GripStrength test.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of increasingserum albumin in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering tothe patient an anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variantthereof, whereby the patient's serum albumin level is improved, andmonitoring the patient to assess serum albumin level, wherein theanti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/orcompete for binding to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) onan intact human IL-6 polypeptide or antibody fragment or variant thereofas an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 andfragments and variants thereof. Preferably, these methods are effectedunder conditions whereby the patient's survivability is improved, and/orunder conditions wherein the serum albumin level is increased by about 5g/L within approximately 6 weeks of administering the anti-IL-6 antibodyor antibody fragment or variant thereof. These patients will include,without limitation thereto, those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis,cancer, advanced cancer, liver disease, renal disease, inflammatorybowel disease, celiac's disease, trauma, burns, other diseasesassociated with reduced serum albumin, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have been diagnosedwith rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis,psoriatic arthropathy, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupuserythematosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, pemphigus,dermatomyositis, polymyositis, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cellarteritis, vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatosis,Kawasaki disease, isolated CNS vasculitis, Churg-Strauss arteritis,microscopic polyarteritis, microscopic polyangiitis, Henoch-Schonleinpurpura, essential cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, rheumatoid vasculitis,cryoglobulinemia, relapsing polychondritis, Behcet's disease, Takayasu'sarteritis, ischemic heart disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, sepsis,vasculitis secondary to viral infection (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C,HIV, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Parvo B19 virus, etc.),Buerger's Disease, cancer, advanced cancer, Osteoarthritis, systemicsclerosis, CREST syndrome, Reiter's disease, Paget's disease of bone,Sjogran's syndrome, diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2, familialMediterranean fever, autoimmune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolyticanemia, autoimmune thyroid diseases, pernicious anemia, vitiligo,alopecia areata, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune chronic activehepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, viral hepatitis including hepatitis Band C, other organ specific autoimmune diseases, burns, idiopathicpulmonary fibrosis, chronic obsructive pulmonary disease, allergicasthma, other allergic conditions or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have an elevatedC-reactive protein (CRP) level prior to treatment

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1,whereby the patient's serum C-reactive protein (“CRP”) level is reduced,and monitoring the patient to assess the reduction in the patient'sserum CRP level.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1,whereby the patient's serum albumin level is increased, and monitoringthe patient to assess the increase in the patient's serum albumin level.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of improvingsurvivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1,whereby the patient's serum CRP level is reduced and the patient's serumalbumin level is increased, and monitoring the patient to assess thereduction in the patient's serum CRP level and the increase in thepatient's serum albumin level.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to methods of preventing ortreating thrombosis in a patient in a state of hypercoagulation,comprising administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist, e.g. ananti-IL-6 antibody (e.g., Ab1) or antibody fragment or variant thereof,whereby the patient's coagulation profile is improved or restored to anormal condition, and monitoring the patient to assess coagulationprofile. In such methods if the IL-6 antagonist is an anti-IL-6 antibodyor antibody fragment or variant thereof preferably this antibody mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/orcompete for binding to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) onan intact human IL-6 polypeptide or fragment thereof as an anti-IL-6antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 and fragments andvariants thereof. In the inventive methods of preventing or treatingthrombosis, the patient's coagulation profile is assessed by measurementof the patient's serum level of one or more of D-dimer, Factor II,Factor V, Factor VIII, Factor IX, Factor XI, Factor XII, F/fibrindegradation products, thrombin-antithrombin III complex, fibrinogen,plasminogen, prothrombin, and von Willebrand factor and preferably by amethod including measuring the patient's serum D-dimer level prior toadministration of the anti-IL-6 antibody, and administering theanti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof if thepatient's serum D-dimer level is elevated. In addition, the levels of Creactive protein may also be assessed in the patient prior to treatmentand if elevated this may be used as a further indicator as to anincreased risk of thrombosis in the patient.

An embodiment of the invention relates to methods of treating a patienthaving a disease or condition associated with hypercoagulation, whichmay comprise administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist such asAb1, whereby the patient's coagulation profile is improved or restoredto normal, and monitoring the patient to assess coagulation profile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have elevated serumD-dimer levels prior to treatment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have a reduced serumalbumin level prior to treatment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's Glasgow PrognosticScore (GPS) may be improved following the treatment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have an elevatedserum CRP level prior to treatment.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may further comprise theadministration of at least one statin.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may target IL-6,IL-6 receptor alpha, gp130, p38 MAP kinase, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, SYK, orany combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may comprise anantibody, an antibody fragment, a peptide, a glycoalkoid, an antisensenucleic acid, a ribozyme, a retinoid, an avemir, a small molecule, orany combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may comprise ananti-IL-6R, anti-gp130, anti-p38 MAP kinase, anti-JAK1, anti-JAK2,anti-JAK3, or anti-SYK antibody or antibody fragment.

In one embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may comprise asmall molecule comprising thalidomide, lenalidomide, or any combinationthereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the antagonist may comprise ananti-IL-6 antibody (e.g., Ab1) or antibody fragment or variant thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may specifically bind to the same linear orconformational epitope(s) and/or compete for binding to the same linearor conformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6 polypeptide orfragment thereof as an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the groupconsisting of Ab1 and fragments and variants thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody may bind tothe same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/or compete for bindingto the same linear or conformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6polypeptide or a fragment thereof as Ab1.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may specifically bind to the same linear orconformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6 polypeptide orfragment thereof as an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the groupconsisting of Ab1 and fragments and variants thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may specifically bind to the same linear orconformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6 polypeptide or afragment thereof as Ab1.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may specifically bind to the same linear orconformational epitopes on an intact IL-6 polypeptide or fragmentthereof that is (are) specifically bound by Ab1 and wherein saidepitope(s) when ascertained by epitopic mapping using overlapping linearpeptide fragments which span the full length of the native human IL-6polypeptide includes one or more residues comprised in IL-6 fragmentsselected from those respectively encompassing amino acid residues 37-51,amino acid residues 70-84, amino acid residues 169-183, amino acidresidues 31-45 and/or amino acid residues 58-72.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may comprise at least 2 complementaritydetermining regions (CDRs) in each the variable light and the variableheavy regions which are identical to those contained in an anti-IL-6antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 and fragments andvariants thereof. In certain embodiments, antibodies containing theseCDRs may be constructed using appropriate human frameworks based on thehumanization methods disclosed herein.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may comprise at least 2 complementaritydetermining regions (CDRs) in each the variable light and the variableheavy regions which are identical to those contained in Ab1.

In an embodiment of the invention, all of the CDRs in the anti-IL-6antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof may be identical to theCDRs contained in an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the groupconsisting of Ab1 and fragments and variants thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, all of the CDRs in the anti-IL-6antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof may be identical to theCDRs contained in Ab1.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be aglycosylated.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may contain an Fc region that has beenmodified to alter effector function, half-life, proteolysis, and/orglycosylation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be a human, humanized, single chain orchimeric antibody.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be a humanized antibody derived from arabbit (parent) anti-IL-6 antibody.

In an embodiment of the invention, the framework regions (FRs) in thevariable light region and the variable heavy regions of said anti-IL-6antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof respectively may behuman FRs which are unmodified or which have been modified by thesubstitution of at most 2 or 3 human FR residues in the variable lightor heavy chain region with the corresponding FR residues of the parentrabbit antibody, and the human FRs may have been derived from humanvariable heavy and light chain antibody sequences which have beenselected from a library of human germline antibody sequences based ontheir high level of homology to the corresponding rabbit variable heavyor light chain regions relative to other human germline antibodysequences contained in the library.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be administered to the patient with afrequency at most once per period of approximately four weeks,approximately eight weeks, approximately twelve weeks, approximatelysixteen weeks, approximately twenty weeks, or approximately twenty-fourweeks.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's coagulation profile mayremain improved for an entire period intervening two consecutiveanti-IL-6 antibody administrations.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum CRP level mayremain decreased and/or serum albumin level may remain raised for anentire period intervening two consecutive anti-IL-6 antibodyadministrations.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's cachexia, weakness,fatigue, and/or fever may remain improved for an entire periodintervening two consecutive anti-IL-6 antibody administrations.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have been diagnosedwith cancer selected from Acanthoma Acinic cell carcinoma, Acousticneuroma, Acral lentiginous melanoma, Acrospiroma, Acute eosinophilicleukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Acute megakaryoblastic leukemia,Acute monocytic leukemia, Acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation,Acute myeloid dendritic cell leukemia, Acute myeloid leukemia, Acutepromyelocytic leukemia, Adamantinoma, Adenocarcinoma, Adenoid cysticcarcinoma, Adenoma, Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, Adrenocorticalcarcinoma, Adult T-cell leukemia, Aggressive NK-cell leukemia,AIDS-Related Cancers, AIDS-related lymphoma, Alveolar soft part sarcoma,Ameloblastic fibroma, Anal cancer, Anaplastic large cell lymphoma,Anaplastic thyroid cancer, Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma,Angiomyolipoma, Angiosarcoma, Appendix cancer, Astrocytoma, Atypicalteratoid rhabdoid tumor, Basal cell carcinoma, Basal-like carcinoma,B-cell leukemia, B-cell lymphoma, Bellini duct carcinoma, Biliary tractcancer, Bladder cancer, Blastoma, Bone Cancer, Bone tumor, Brain StemGlioma, Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer, Brenner tumor, Bronchial Tumor,Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, Brown tumor, Burkitt's lymphoma, Cancer ofUnknown Primary Site, Carcinoid Tumor, Carcinoma, Carcinoma in situ,Carcinoma of the penis, Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site,Carcinosarcoma, Castleman's Disease, Central Nervous System EmbryonalTumor, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, Cerebral Astrocytoma, Cervical Cancer,Cholangiocarcinoma, Chondroma, Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma,Choriocarcinoma, Choroid plexus papilloma, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia,Chronic monocytic leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia, ChronicMyeloproliferative Disorder, Chronic neutrophilic leukemia, Clear-celltumor, Colon Cancer, Colorectal cancer, Craniopharyngioma, CutaneousT-cell lymphoma, Degos disease, Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Dermoidcyst, Desmoplastic small round cell tumor, Diffuse large B celllymphoma, Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor, Embryonal carcinoma,Endodermal sinus tumor, Endometrial cancer, Endometrial Uterine Cancer,Endometrioid tumor, Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma,Ependymoblastoma, Ependymoma, Epithelioid sarcoma, Erythroleukemia,Esophageal cancer, Esthesioneuroblastoma, Ewing Family of Tumor, EwingFamily Sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor,Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor, Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer,Extramammary Paget's disease, Fallopian tube cancer, Fetus in fetu,Fibroma, Fibrosarcoma, Follicular lymphoma, Follicular thyroid cancer,Gallbladder Cancer, Gallbladder cancer, Ganglioglioma, Ganglioneuroma,Gastric Cancer, Gastric lymphoma, Gastrointestinal cancer,Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor, Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor,Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Germ cell tumor, Germinoma, Gestationalchoriocarcinoma, Gestational Trophoblastic Tumor, Giant cell tumor ofbone, Glioblastoma multiforme, Glioma, Gliomatosis cerebri, Glomustumor, Glucagonoma, Gonadoblastoma, Granulosa cell tumor, Hairy CellLeukemia, Hairy cell leukemia, Head and Neck Cancer, Head and neckcancer, Heart cancer, Hemangioblastoma, Hemangiopericytoma,Hemangiosarcoma, Hematological malignancy, Hepatocellular carcinoma,Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, Hereditary breast-ovarian cancersyndrome, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hypopharyngeal Cancer,Hypothalamic Glioma, Inflammatory breast cancer, Intraocular Melanoma,Islet cell carcinoma, Islet Cell Tumor, Juvenile myelomonocyticleukemia, Kaposi Sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, Kidney Cancer, Klatskintumor, Krukenberg tumor, Laryngeal Cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Lentigomaligna melanoma, Leukemia, Leukemia, Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer,Liposarcoma, Lung cancer, Luteoma, Lymphangioma, Lymphangiosarcoma,Lymphoepithelioma, Lymphoid leukemia, Lymphoma, Macroglobulinemia,Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma, Malignant fibrous histiocytoma,Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone, Malignant Glioma, MalignantMesothelioma, Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, Malignantrhabdoid tumor, Malignant triton tumor, MALT lymphoma, Mantle celllymphoma, Mast cell leukemia, Mediastinal germ cell tumor, Mediastinaltumor, Medullary thyroid cancer, Medulloblastoma, Medulloblastoma,Medulloepithelioma, Melanoma, Melanoma, Meningioma, Merkel CellCarcinoma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancerwith Occult Primary, Metastatic urothelial carcinoma, Mixed Milleriantumor, Monocytic leukemia, Mouth Cancer, Mucinous tumor, MultipleEndocrine Neoplasia Syndrome, Multiple Myeloma, Multiple myeloma,Mycosis Fungoides, Mycosis fungoides, Myelodysplastic Disease,Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myeloid leukemia, Myeloid sarcoma,Myeloproliferative Disease, Myxoma, Nasal Cavity Cancer, NasopharyngealCancer, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Neoplasm, Neurinoma, Neuroblastoma,Neuroblastoma, Neurofibroma, Neuroma, Nodular melanoma, Non-HodgkinLymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer, Non-Small CellLung Cancer, Ocular oncology, Oligoastrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma,Oncocytoma, Optic nerve sheath meningioma, Oral Cancer, Oral cancer,Oropharyngeal Cancer, Osteosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Ovarian Cancer,Ovarian cancer, Ovarian Epithelial Cancer, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor,Ovarian Low Malignant Potential Tumor, Paget's disease of the breast,Pancoast tumor, Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Papillary thyroidcancer, Papillomatosis, Paraganglioma, Paranasal Sinus Cancer,Parathyroid Cancer, Penile Cancer, Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor,Pharyngeal Cancer, Pheochromocytoma, Pineal Parenchymal Tumor ofIntermediate Differentiation, Pineoblastoma, Pituicytoma, Pituitaryadenoma, Pituitary tumor, Plasma Cell Neoplasm, Pleuropulmonaryblastoma, Polyembryoma, Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, Primarycentral nervous system lymphoma, Primary effusion lymphoma, PrimaryHepatocellular Cancer, Primary Liver Cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer,Primitive neuroectodermal tumor, Prostate cancer, Pseudomyxomaperitonei, Rectal Cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, Respiratory TractCarcinoma Involving the NUT Gene on Chromosome 15, Retinoblastoma,Rhabdomyoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Richter's transformation, Sacrococcygealteratoma, Salivary Gland Cancer, Sarcoma, Schwannomatosis, Sebaceousgland carcinoma, Secondary neoplasm, Seminoma, Serous tumor,Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, Sex cord-stromal tumor, Sezary Syndrome,Signet ring cell carcinoma, Skin Cancer, Small blue round cell tumor,Small cell carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small cell lymphoma, Smallintestine cancer, Soft tissue sarcoma, Somatostatinoma, Soot wart,Spinal Cord Tumor, Spinal tumor, Splenic marginal zone lymphoma,Squamous cell carcinoma, Stomach cancer, Superficial spreading melanoma,Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Surfaceepithelial-stromal tumor, Synovial sarcoma, T-cell acute lymphoblasticleukemia, T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia, T-cell leukemia,T-cell lymphoma, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Teratoma, Terminallymphatic cancer, Testicular cancer, Thecoma, Throat Cancer, ThymicCarcinoma, Thymoma, Thyroid cancer, Transitional Cell Cancer of RenalPelvis and Ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma, Urachal cancer, Urethralcancer, Urogenital neoplasm, Uterine sarcoma, Uveal melanoma, VaginalCancer, Verner Morrison syndrome, Verrucous carcinoma, Visual PathwayGlioma, Vulvar Cancer, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Warthin's tumor,Wilms' tumor, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have been diagnosedwith a cancer selected from Colorectal Cancer, Non-Small Cell LungCancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Mesothelioma, Castleman's disease, RenalCell Carcinoma, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may comprise a heavy chain polypeptidesequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19,652, 656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, and 708; and may furthercomprise a VL polypeptide sequence selected from the group consistingof: SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, and 709 or avariant thereof wherein one or more of the framework residues (FRresidues) in said VH or VL polypeptide may have been substituted withanother amino acid residue resulting in an anti-IL-6 antibody orantibody fragment or variant thereof that specifically binds human IL-6.

In an embodiment of the invention, one or more of said FR residues maybe substituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding site in aparent rabbit anti-IL-6 antibody from which the complementaritydetermining regions (CDRs) contained in said VH or VL polypeptides havebeen derived or by a conservative amino acid substitution.

In an embodiment of the invention, said anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be humanized.

In an embodiment of the invention, said anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be chimeric.

In an embodiment of the invention, said anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof further may comprise a human Fc.

In an embodiment of the invention, said human Fc may be derived fromIgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgG5, IgG6, IgG7, IgG8, IgG9, IgG10, IgG11,IgG12, IgG13, IgG14, IgG15, IgG16, IgG17, IgG18 or IgG19.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may comprise a polypeptide having at least90% sequence homology to one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652, 656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, 708, 2, 20,647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, and 709.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may have an elimination half-life of atleast about 22 days, at least about 25 days, or at least about 30 days.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 maybe co-administered with a chemotherapy agent. In an embodiment of theinvention, the chemotherapy agent include without limitation thereto:VEGF antagonists, EGFR antagonists, platins, taxols, irinotecan,5-fluorouracil, gemcytabine, leucovorine, steroids, cyclophosphamide,melphalan, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesineand vinorelbine), mustines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiotherapy,sex hormone antagonists, selective androgen receptor modulators,selective estrogen receptor modulators, PDGF antagonists, TNFantagonists, IL-1 antagonists, interleukins (e.g. IL-12 or IL-2), IL-12Rantagonists, Toxin conjugated monoclonal antibodies, tumor antigenspecific monoclonal antibodies, Erbitux, Avastin, Pertuzumab, anti-CD20antibodies, Rituxan, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, DXL625, herceptin, or anycombination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the another therapeutic compound maybe a statin.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof may be directly or indirectly attached to adetectable label or therapeutic agent.

In an embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment may be Ab1 or a fragment or variant thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the disease or condition may beselected from acute venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, thrombosisduring pregnancy, hemorrhagic skin necrosis, acute or chronicdisseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), clot formation fromsurgery, long bed rest, long periods of immobilization, venousthrombosis, fulminant meningococcemia, acute thrombotic stroke, acutecoronary occlusion, acute peripheral arterial occlusion, massivepulmonary embolism, axillary vein thrombosis, massive iliofemoral veinthrombosis, occluded arterial cannulae, occluded venous cannulae,cardiomyopathy, venoocclusive disease of the liver, hypotension,decreased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance, pulmonaryhypertension, diminished lung compliance, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia,heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), heparin-induced thrombocytopeniaand thrombosis (HITT), atrial fibrillation, implantation of a prostheticheart valve, genetic susceptibility to thrombosis, factor V Leiden,prothrombin gene mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)polymorphism, platelet-receptor polymorphism, trauma, fractures, burns,or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the disease or condition may beselected from cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, heart disease,dehydration, malnutrition, lead exposure, malaria, respiratory disease,old age, hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, hypopituitarism, neurasthenia,hypernatremia, hyponatremia, renal disease, splenica, ankylosingspondylitis, failure to thrive (faltering growth), or any combinationthereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include administrationof an antagonist of a cachexia-associated factor, weakness-associatedfactor, fatigue-associated factor, and/or fever-associated factor. Thecachexia-associated factor, weakness-associated factor,fatigue-associated factor, and/or fever-associated factor may beselected from tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interferon gamma, Interleukin1 alpha, Interleukin 1 beta, Interleukin 6, proteolysis inducing factor,leukemia-inhibitory factor, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include administrationof an anti-cachexia agent selected from cannabis, dronabinol (Marinol),nabilone (Cesamet), cannabidiol, cannabichromene, tetrahydrocannabinol,Sativex, megestrol acetate, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include administrationof an anti-nausea or antiemetic agent selected from 5-HT3 receptorantagonists, ajwain, alizapride, anticholinergics, antihistamines,aprepitant, benzodiazepines, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, cannabinoids,cannabis, casopitant, chlorpromazine, cyclizine, dexamethasone,dexamethasone, dimenhydrinate (Gravol), diphenhydramine, dolasetron,domperidone, dopamine antagonists, doxylamine, dronabinol (Marinol),droperidol, emetrol, ginger, granisetron, haloperidol, hydroxyzine,hyoscine, lorazepam, meclizine, metoclopramide, midazolam, muscimol,nabilone (Cesamet), nk1 receptor antagonists, ondansetron, palonosetron,peppermint, Phenergan, prochlorperazine, Promacot, promethazine,Pentazine, propofol, sativex, tetrahydrocannabinol, trimethobenzamide,tropisetron, nandrolone, stilbestrol, thalidomide, lenalidomide, ghrelinagonists, myostatin antagonists, anti-myostatin antibodies, selectiveandrogen receptor modulators, selective estrogen receptor modulators,angiotensin AII antagonists, beta two adenergic receptor agonists, betathree adenergic receptor agonists, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fever may be assessedby measurement of patient's body temperature.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's body temperature prior to administration of the anti-IL-6antibody, and administering the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof if the patient's body temperature is higher thanabout 38° C.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's body temperature within 24 hours prior to administration ofthe anti-IL-6 antibody, and administering the anti-IL-6 antibody orantibody fragment or variant thereof if the patient's body temperaturemeasurement indicates that a fever was present.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may further includemeasuring the patient's body weight prior to administration of theanti-IL-6 antibody, and administering the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibodyfragment or variant thereof if the patient's weight has declined bygreater than approximately 5% within approximately 30 days, or if thepatient's lean body mass index is less than about 17 kg/m2 (malepatient) or less than about 14 kg/m2 (female patient).

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's muscular strength prior to administration of the anti-IL-6antibody, and administering the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof if the patient's muscular strength has declined bygreater than approximately 20% within approximately 30 days.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may result in a prolongedimprovement in cachexia, weakness, fatigue, and/or fever in the patient.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's body mass may be raisedby approximately 1 kilogram within approximately 4 weeks ofadministration of the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variantthereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's cachexia may bemeasurably improved within about 4 weeks of anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's cachexia may beassessed by measurement of the patient's total body mass, lean bodymass, lean body mass index, and/or appendicular lean body mass.

In an embodiment of the invention, the measurement of the patient's bodymass may discount (subtract) the estimated weight of the patient'stumor(s) and/or extravascular fluid collection(s).

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's cachexia may remainmeasurably improved approximately 8 weeks after anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's weakness may bemeasurably improved within about 4 weeks of anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's weakness may bemeasured by the hand grip strength test.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's hand grip strength maybe improved by at least about 15%, or at least about 20%.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's weakness may remainmeasurably improved approximately 8 weeks after anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fatigue may bemeasurably improved within about 1 week of anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fatigue may be measuredby the FACIT-F FS test.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's FACIT-F FS score may beimproved by at least about 10 points.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fatigue may remainmeasurably improved approximately 8 weeks after anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fever may be measurablyimproved within about 1 week of anti-IL-6 antibody administration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's fever may remainmeasurably improved approximately 8 weeks after anti-IL-6 antibodyadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's quality of life may beimproved.

In an embodiment of the invention, may include administration of one ormore anti-coagulants or statins.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more anti-coagulants maybe selected from abciximab (ReoPro), acenocoumarol, antithrombin III,argatroban, aspirin, bivalirudin (Angiomax), clopidogrel, dabigatran,dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa/Pradax), desirudin (Revasc/Iprivask),dipyridamole, eptifibatide (Integrilin), fondaparinux, heparin, hirudin,idraparinux, lepirudin (Refludan), low molecular weight heparin,melagatran, phenindione, phenprocoumon, ticlopidine, tirofiban(Aggrastat), warfarin, ximelagatran, ximelagatran (Exanta/Exarta), orany combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more statins may beselected from atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin,mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or anycombination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's coagulation profile maybe assessed by measurement of the patient's serum level of one or moreof D-dimer, Factor II, Factor V, Factor VIII, Factor IX, Factor XI,Factor XII, F/fibrin degradation products, thrombin-antithrombin IIIcomplex, fibrinogen, plasminogen, prothrombin, and von Willebrandfactor.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's coagulation profile maybe assessed by a functional measurement of clotting ability.

In an embodiment of the invention, the functional measurement ofclotting ability may be selected from prothrombin time (PT), prothrombinratio (PR), international normalized ratio (INR), or any combinationthereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's international normalized ratio (INR) prior to administrationof the IL-6 antagonist, and administering to the patient an IL-6antagonist such as Ab1 if the patient's INR is less than about 0.9.

In an embodiment of the invention, the invention may include measuringthe patient's international normalized ratio (INR) prior toadministration of the IL-6 antagonist, and administering to the patientan IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 if the patient's INR is less than about0.5. 54.) In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's INR may beraised to more than approximately 0.9 within 4 weeks of administering tothe patient an IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's serum D-dimer level prior to administration of the IL-6antagonist, and administering the IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 if thepatient's serum serum D-dimer level is above the normal reference range.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum D-dimer level maybe lowered to less than the upper limit of the normal reference rangewithin 4 weeks of administering to the patient an IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may result in a prolongedimprovement in the patient's coagulation profile.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's coagulation profile maybe measurably improved within about 2 weeks of administration of theIL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's coagulation profile mayremain measurably improved approximately 12 weeks after administering tothe patient an IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's survivability may beimproved.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may be anantisense nucleic acid.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may be anantisense nucleic acid, for example comprising at least approximately 10nucleotides of a sequence encoding IL-6, IL-6 receptor alpha, gp130, p38MAP kinase, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, or SYK.

In an embodiment of the invention, the antisense nucleic acid maycomprise DNA, RNA, peptide nucleic acid, locked nucleic acid, morpholino(phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligo), glycerol nucleic acid, threosenucleic acid, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may compriseActemra (Tocilizumab), Remicade, Zenapax, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may comprise apolypeptide having a sequence comprising a fragment of IL-6, IL-6receptor alpha, gp130, p38 MAP kinase, JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, SYK, or anycombination thereof, such as a fragment or full-length polypeptide thatis at least 40 amino acids in length.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may comprise asoluble IL-6, IL-6 receptor alpha, gp130, p38 MAP kinase, JAK1, JAK2,JAK3, SYK, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the IL-6 antagonist may be coupled toa half-life increasing moiety.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's serum CRP level prior to administration of the anti-IL-6antibody, and administering the anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof if the patient's serum CRP level is at leastapproximately 5 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum CRP level may bereduced to less than approximately 5 mg/L within 1 week ofadministration of the IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum CRP level may bereduced to below 1 mg/L within 1 week of administration of the IL-6antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, treatment may result in a prolongedreduction in serum CRP level of the patient.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum CRP level may bereduced to below 10 mg/L within about 1 week of IL-6 antagonistadministration.

In an embodiment of the invention, 14 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 21 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 28 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 35 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 42 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 49 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 56 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum CRP level may remain below 10 mg/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's survivability isimproved.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may include measuring thepatient's serum albumin level prior to administration of the IL-6antagonist, and administering the IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 if thepatient's serum albumin level is less than approximately 35 g/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum albumin level maybe increased to more than approximately 35 g/L within about 5 weeks ofadministration of the IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, treatment may result in a prolongedincrease in serum albumin level of the patient.

In an embodiment of the invention, 42 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum albumin level may remain above 35g/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 49 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum albumin level may remain above 35g/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, 56 days after IL-6 antagonistadministration the patient's serum albumin level may remain above 35g/L.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient's serum albumin level maybe increased by about 5 g/L within approximately 5 weeks ofadministering the IL-6 antagonist.

In an embodiment of the invention, the patient may have been diagnosedwith rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, advanced cancer, liver disease, renaldisease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac's disease, trauma, burns,other diseases associated with reduced serum albumin, or any combinationthereof.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method may further compriseadministration of one or more statins to the patient, including withoutlimitation thereto atorvastatin, cerivastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin,mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, or anycombination thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a composition comprisingan IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1, and an anti-coagulant.

In an embodiment of the invention, the one or more anti-coagulants maybe selected from abciximab (ReoPro), acenocoumarol, antithrombin III,argatroban, aspirin, bivalirudin (Angiomax), clopidogrel, dabigatran,dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa/Pradax), desirudin (Revasc/Iprivask),dipyridamole, eptifibatide (Integrilin), fondaparinux, heparin, hirudin,idraparinux, lepirudin (Refludan), low molecular weight heparin,melagatran, phenindione, phenprocoumon, ticlopidine, tirofiban(Aggrastat), warfarin, ximelagatran, ximelagatran (Exanta/Exarta), orany combination thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a composition comprisingan IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1, and a chemotherapy agent. In anembodiment of the invention, the chemotherapy agent may be selected fromVEGF antagonists, EGFR antagonists, platins, taxols, irinotecan,5-fluorouracil, gemcytabine, leucovorine, steroids, cyclophosphamide,melphalan, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesineand vinorelbine), mustines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiotherapy,sex hormone antagonists, selective androgen receptor modulators,selective estrogen receptor modulators, PDGF antagonists, TNFantagonists, IL-1 antagonists, interleukins (e.g. IL-12 or IL-2), IL-12Rantagonists, Toxin conjugated monoclonal antibodies, tumor antigenspecific monoclonal antibodies, Erbitux, Avastin, Pertuzumab, anti-CD20antibodies, Rituxan, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, DXL625, herceptin, or anycombination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows that a variety of unique epitopes were recognized by thecollection of anti-IL-6 antibodies prepared by the antibody selectionprotocol. Epitope variability was confirmed by antibody-IL-6 bindingcompetition studies (ForteBio Octet).

FIG. 2 shows alignments of variable light and variable heavy sequencesbetween a rabbit antibody variable light and variable heavy sequencesand homologous human sequences and the final humanized sequences.Framework regions are identified FR1-FR4. Complementarity determiningregions are identified as CDR1-CDR3. Amino acid residues are numbered asshown. The initial rabbit sequences are called RbtVL and RbtVH for thevariable light and variable heavy sequences respectively. Three of themost similar human germline antibody sequences, spanning from Framework1 through to the end of Framework 3, are aligned below the rabbitsequences. The human sequence that is considered the most similar to therabbit sequence is shown first. In this example those most similarsequences are L12A for the light chain and 3-64-04 for the heavy chain.Human CDR3 sequences are not shown. The closest human Framework 4sequence is aligned below the rabbit Framework 4 sequence. The verticaldashes indicate a residue where the rabbit residue is identical with oneor more of the human residues at the same position. The bold residuesindicate that the human residue at that position is identical to therabbit residue at the same position. The final humanized sequences arecalled VLh and VHh for the variable light and variable heavy sequencesrespectively. The underlined residues indicate that the residue is thesame as the rabbit residue at that position but different than the humanresidues at that position in the three aligned human sequences.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the high correlation between the IgG produced andantigen specificity for an exemplary IL-6 protocol. 9 of 11 wells showedspecific IgG correlation with antigen recognition.

FIG. 4 provides the α-2-macroglobulin (A2M) dose response curve forantibody Ab1 administered intravenously at different doses one hourafter a 100 μg/kg s.c. dose of human IL-6.

FIG. 5 provides survival data for the antibody Ab1 progression groupsversus control groups.

FIG. 6 provides additional survival data for the antibody Ab1 regressiongroups versus control groups.

FIG. 7 provides survival data for polyclonal human IgG at 10 mg/kg i.v.every three days (270-320 mg tumor size) versus antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kgi.v. every three days (270-320 mg tumor size).

FIG. 8 provides survival data for polyclonal human IgG at 10 mg/kg i.v.every three days (400-527 mg tumor size) versus antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kgi.v. every three days (400-527 mg tumor size).

FIG. 9 provides a pharamcokinetic profile of antibody Ab1 in cynomolgusmonkey. Plasma levels of antibody Ab1 were quantitated through antigencapture ELISA. This protein displays a half life of between 12 and 17days consistent with other full length humanized antibodies.

FIG. 10 (A-D) provides binding data for antibodies Ab4, Ab3, Ab8 andAb2, respectively. FIG. 10 E provides binding data for antibodies Ab1,Ab6 and Ab7.

FIG. 11 summarizes the binding data of FIG. 10 (A-E) in tabular form.

FIG. 12 presents the sequences of the 15 amino acid peptides used in thepeptide mapping experiment of Example 14.

FIG. 13 presents the results of the blots prepared in Example 14.

FIG. 14 presents the results of the blots prepared in Example 14.

FIG. 15A shows affinity and binding kinetics of Ab1 for IL-6 of variousspecies.

FIG. 15B demonstrates inhibition of IL-6 by Ab1 in the T1165 cellproliferation assay.

FIG. 16. shows the mean plasma concentration of Ab1 resulting from asingle administration of Ab1 to healthy male subjects in several dosagegroups.

FIG. 17 shows mean area under the plasma Ab1 concentration time curve(AUC) for the dosage groups shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 shows mean peak plasma Ab1 concentration (C_(max)) for thedosage groups shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 summarizes Ab1 pharmacokinetic measurements of the dosage groupsshown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 shows the mean plasma concentration of Ab1 resulting from asingle administration of Ab1 to patients with advanced cancer.

FIG. 21 illustrates the unprecedented elimination half-life of Ab1compared with other anti-IL-6 antibodies.

FIG. 22 shows increased hemoglobin concentration followingadministration of Ab1 to patients with advanced cancer.

FIG. 23 shows mean plasma lipid concentrations following administrationof Ab1 to patients with advanced cancer.

FIG. 24 shows mean neutrophil counts following administration of Ab1 topatients with advanced cancer.

FIG. 25 demonstrates suppression of serum CRP levels in healthyindividuals.

FIG. 26 (A-B) demonstrates suppression of serum CRP levels in advancedcancer patients.

FIG. 27 shows prevention of weight loss by Ab1 in a mouse cancercachexia model.

FIG. 28 shows the physical appearance of representative Ab1-treated andcontrol mice in a cancer cachexia model.

FIG. 29 demonstrates that Ab1 promotes weight gain in advanced cancerpatients.

FIG. 30 demonstrates that Ab1 reduces fatigue in advanced cancerpatients.

FIG. 31 demonstrates that Ab1 promotes hand grip strength in advancedcancer patients.

FIG. 32 demonstrates that Ab1 suppresses an acute phase protein (SerumAmyloid A) in mice.

FIG. 33 demonstrates that Ab1 increase plasma albumin concentration inadvanced cancer patients.

FIGS. 34 and 35 shows alignments between a rabbit antibody light andvariable heavy sequences and homologous human sequences and the finalhumanized sequences. Framework regions are identified FR1-FR4.Complementarity determining regions are identified as CDR1-CDR3.

FIGS. 36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B shows alignments between light andvariable heavy sequences, respectively, of different forms of Ab1.Framework regions are identified FR1-FR4. Complementarity determiningregions are identified as CDR1-CDR3. Sequence differences within the CDRregions highlighted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, protocols, cell lines, animal species or genera,and reagents described, as such may vary. It is also to be understoodthat the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention which will be limited only by the appended claims.

The term “variants” (as applied to antibodies including Ab1) includessingle-chain antibodies, dimers, multimers, sequene variants, domainsubstitution variants, etc. Single-chain antibodies such as SMIPs, sharkantibodies, nanobodies (e.g., Camelidiae antibodies). Sequence variantscan be specified by percentage identity (or similarity) e.g., 99%, 95%,90%, 85%, 80%, 70%, 60%, etc. or by numbers of permitted conservative ornon-conservative substitutions. Domain substitution variants includereplacement of a domain of one protein with a similar domain of arelated protein. A similar domain may be identified by similarity ofsequence, structure (actual or predicted), or function. For example,domain substitution variants include the substitution of one or moreCDRs and/or framework regions.

As used herein the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the” include pluralreferents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, forexample, reference to “a cell” includes a plurality of such cells andreference to “the protein” includes reference to one or more proteinsand equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning ascommonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which thisinvention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6):

As used herein, interleukin-6 (IL-6) encompasses not only the following212 amino acid sequence available as GenBank Protein Accession No.NP_(—)000591:

MNSFSTSAFGPVAFSLGLLLVLPAAFPAPVPPGEDSKDVAAPHRQPLTSSERIDKQIRYILDGISALRKETCNKSNMCESSKEALAENNLNLPKMAEKDGCFQSGFNEETCLVKIITGLLEFEVYLEYLQNRFESSEEQARAVQMSTKVLIQFLQKKAKNLDAITTPDPTTNASLLTKLQAQNQWLQDMTTHLILRSFKEFLQSSLRALRQM (SEQ ID NO: 1), but also any pre-pro,pro- and mature forms of this IL-6 amino acid sequence, as well asmutants and variants including allelic variants of this sequence.

IL-6 antagonist: As used herein, the terms “IL-6 antagonist,” andgrammatical variants thereof include any composition that prevents,inhibits, or lessens the effect(s) of IL-6 signaling. Generally, suchantagonists may reduce the levels or activity of IL-6, IL-6 receptoralpha, gp130, or a molecule involved in IL-6 signal transduction, or mayreduce the levels or activity complexes between the foregoing (e.g.,reducing the activity of an IL-6/IL-6 receptor complex). Antagonistsinclude antisense nucleic acids, including DNA, RNA, or a nucleic acidanalogue such as a peptide nucleic acid, locked nucleic acid, morpholino(phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligo), glycerol nucleic acid, or threosenucleic acid. See Heasman, Dev Biol. 2002 Mar. 15; 243(2):209-14; Hannonand Rossi, Nature. 2004 Sep. 16; 431(7006):371-8; Paul et al., NatBiotechnol. 2002 May; 20(5):505-8; Zhang et al., J Am Chem Soc. 2005Mar. 30; 127(12):4174-5; Wahlestedt et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000May 9; 97(10):5633-8; Hanvey et al., 1992 Nov. 27; 258(5087):1481-5;Braasch et al., Biochemistry. 2002 Apr. 9; 41(14):4503-10; Schoning etal., Science. 2000 Nov. 17:290(5495):1347-51. In addition IL-6antagonists specifically include peptides that block IL-6 signaling suchas those described in any of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,599,875; 6,172, 042;6,838,433; 6,841,533; 5,210,075 et al. Also, IL-6 antagonists accordingto the invention may include p38 MAP kinase inhibitors such as thosereported in US20070010529 et al. given this kinase's role in cytokineproduction and more particularly IL-6 production. Further, IL-6antagonists according to the invention include the glycoalkaloidcompounds reported in US20050090453 as well as other IL-6 antagonistcompounds isolatable using the IL-6 antagonist screening assays reportedtherein. Other IL-6 antagonists include antibodies, such as anti-TL-6antibodies, anti-IL-6 receptor alpha antibodies, anti-gp130 antibodies,and anti-p38 MAP kinase antibodies including (but not limited to) theanti-IL-6 antibodies disclosed herein, Actemra (Tocilizumab), Remicade,Zenapax, or any combination thereof. Other IL-6 antagonists includeportions or fragments of molecules involved in IL-6 signaling, such asIL-6, IL-6 receptor alpha, and gp130, which may be native, mutant, orvariant sequence, and may optionally be coupled to other moieties (suchas half-life-increasing moieties, e.g. an Fc domain). For example, anIL-6 antagonist may be a soluble IL-6 receptor or fragment, a solubleIL-6 receptor:Fc fusion protein, a small molecule inhibitor of IL-6, ananti-IL-6 receptor antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof,antisense nucleic acid, etc. Other IL-6 antagonists include avemirs,such as C326 (Silverman et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2005 December; 23(12):1556-61) and small molecules, such as synthetic retinoid AM80(tamibarotene) (Takeda et al., Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2006 May;26(5): 1177-83). Such IL-6 antagonists may be administered by any meansknown in the art, including contacting a subject with nucleic acidswhich encode or cause to be expressed any of the foregoing polypeptidesor antisense sequences.

Thrombosis:

As used herein, thrombosis refers to a thrombus (blood clot) inside ablood vessel. The term encompasses, without limitation, arterial andvenous thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis, portal veinthrombosis, jugular vein thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis, stroke,myocardial infarction, Budd-Chiari syndrome, Paget-Schroetter disease,and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Diseases and conditions associatedwith thrombosis include, without limitation, acute venous thrombosis,pulmonary embolism, thrombosis during pregnancy, hemorrhagic skinnecrosis, acute or chronic disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC),clot formation from surgery, long bed rest, long periods ofimmobilization, venous thrombosis, fulminant meningococcemia, acutethrombotic stroke, acute coronary occlusion, acute peripheral arterialocclusion, massive pulmonary embolism, axillary vein thrombosis, massiveiliofemoral vein thrombosis, occluded arterial cannulae, occluded venouscannulae, cardiomyopathy, venoocclusive disease of the liver,hypotension, decreased cardiac output, decreased vascular resistance,pulmonary hypertension, diminished lung compliance, leukopenia, andthrombocytopenia.

D-Dimer:

As used herein, D-dimer refers to a fibrin degradation product producedduring the break down of blood clots by the enzyme plasmin. Monoclonalantibodies specifically reactive against D-dimer are readily available,e.g. DD-3B6/22 (Elms et al., 1986, Am J Clin Pathol. 85:360-4). Clinicalmeasurements of D-dimer levels are routinely performed, e.g., using ared blood cell agglutination test, ELISA, etc. (reviewed in Dempfle,Semin Vase Med, 2005 November; 5(4):315-20). Measurements of D-dimer mayvary depending on the measurement method and testing lab; nonetheless, anormal “reference range” may be readily established for any particularmethod and testing lab, e.g. by taking measurements from healthyindividuals. Accordingly, an elevated D-dimer level is understood bypersons skilled in the art to refer to a D-dimer level that is above thereference range for the particular method and testing lab.

Coagulation Profile:

As used herein, coagulation profile refers generally to the functioningof the coagulation system. Both the tissue factor (extrinsic) andcontact activation (intrinsic) pathways of clotting are components ofthe coagulation profile. A normal coagulation profile refers tocoagulation functioning as in a normal, healthy individual, i.e.,maintaining balance between ability to control bleeding and tendencytowards excessive clotting (thrombotic tendency). An abnormalcoagulation profile may be a decrease or an increase in coagulationtendency. One particularly abnormal coagulation profile ishypercoagulation, which refers to a greatly increased risk of excessiveclot formation, resulting in high risk of thrombosis. Coagulationprofile may be assessed by various tests and assays known in the art,such as: the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) test;prothrombin time (PT) test (typical reference range of 12 to 15 second);measurements derived from the PT test, such as prothrombin ratio (PR)and international normalized ratio (INR) (typical reference range 0.8 to1.2); fibrinogen testing (e.g. the Clauss method (Clauss A, “RapidPhysiological Coagulation Method for the Determination of Fibrinogen[German],” Acta Haematol, 1957, 17:237-46) or the Ellis method (Ellis BC and Stransky A, “A Quick and Accurate Method for the Determination ofFibrinogen in Plasma,” J Lab Clin Med, 1961, 58:477-88); assays foractivated protein C resistance, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin;assays for antiphospholipid antibodies (lupus anticoagulant andanticardiolipin antibodies); elevated homocysteine; assays forplasminogen, dysfibrinogenemia, heparin cofactor II, or platelethyperaggregability. Other assays useful to assess coagulation profileinclude measurement of clotting factors and/or indicators of clotting,such as serum levels of D-dimer, Factor II, Factor V, Factor VIII,Factor IX, Factor XI, Factor XII, F/fibrin degradation products,thrombin-antithrombin III complex, thrombocytosis, fibrinogen,plasminogen, prothrombin, and von Willebrand factor. Worsening incoagulation profile refers to a measurable change in an indicator ofcoagulation, e.g., any of the aforementioned assays, that reflects adeterioration of the normal coagulation tendency, such that the measuredvalue becomes abnormal or deviates farther from the normal range thanpreviously. Improvement in coagulation profile refers to a measurablechange in an indicator of coagulation, e.g., any of the aforementionedassays, that reflects a partial or full restoration of the normalcoagulation tendency, i.e., after a therapeutic intervention, such asadministration of an anti-IL-6 antibody, the measured value is in thenormal range or closer to the normal range than prior to the therapeuticintervention.

Disease or Condition:

As used herein, “disease or condition” refers to a disease or conditionthat a patient has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having,particularly a disease or condition associated with elevated IL-6. Adisease or condition encompasses, without limitation thereto, theside-effects of medications or treatments (such as radiation therapy),as well as idiopathic conditions characterized by symptoms that includeelevated IL-6.

Cachexia:

As used herein, cachexia, also known as wasting disease, refers to anydisease marked especially by progressive emaciation, weakness, generalill health, malnutrition, loss of body mass, loss of muscle mass, or anaccelerated loss of skeletal muscle in the context of a chronicinflammatory response (reviewed in Kotler, Ann Intern Med. 2000 Oct. 17;133(8):622-34). Diseases and conditions in which cachexia is frequentlyobserved include cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, AIDS, heart disease,dehydration, malnutrition, lead exposure, malaria, respiratory disease,old age, hypothyroidism, tuberculosis, hypopituitarism, neurasthenia,hypernatremia, hyponatremia, renal disease, splenica, ankylosingspondylitis, failure to thrive (faltering growth) and other diseases,particularly chronic diseases. Cachexia may also be idiopathic (arisingfrom an uncertain cause). Weight assessment in a patient is understoodto exclude growths or fluid accumulations, e.g. tumor weight,extravascular fluid accumulation, etc. Cachexia may be assessed bymeasurement of a patient's total body mass (exclusive of growths orfluid accumulations), total lean (fat-free) body mass, lean mass of thearms and legs (appendicular lean mass, e.g. measured using dual-energyx-ray absorptiometry or bioelectric impedance spectroscopy), and/or leanbody mass index (lean body mass divided by the square of the patient'sheight). See Kotler, Ann Intern Med. 2000 Oct. 17; 133(8):622-34;Marcora et al., Rheumatology (Oxford). 2006 November; 45(11):1385-8.

Weakness:

As used herein, weakness refers physical fatigue, which typicallymanifests as a loss of muscle strength and/or endurance. Weakness may becentral (affecting most or all of the muscles in the body) or peripheral(affecting a subset of muscles). Weakness includes “true weakness,” inwhich a patient's muscles have a decrease in some measure of peak and/orsustained force output, and “perceived weakness,” in which a patientperceives that a greater effort is required for performance of a taskeven though objectively measured strength remains nearly the same, andmay be objectively measured or self-reported by the patient. Forexample, weakness may be objectively measured using the hand gripstrength test (a medically recognized test for evaluating musclestrength), typically employing a handgrip dynamometer.

Fatigue:

As used herein, fatigue refers to mental fatigue (for physical fatiguesee “weakness”). Fatigue includes drowsiness (somnolence) and/ordecreased attention. Fatigue may be measured using a variety of testsknown in the art, such as the FACIT-F (Functional Assessment of ChronicIllness Therapy-Fatigue) test. See, e.g., Cella, D., Lai, J. S., Chang,C. H., Peterman, A., & Slavin, M. (2002). Fatigue in cancer patientscompared with fatigue in the general population. Cancer, 94(2), 528-538;Cella, D., Eton, D. T., Lai, J-S., Peterman, A. H & Merkel, D. E.(2002). Combining anchor and distribution based methods to deriveminimal clinically important differences on the Functional Assessment ofCancer Therapy anemia and fatigue scales. Journal of Pain & SymptomManagement, 24 (6) 547-561.

Fever:

As used herein, “fever” refers to a body temperature set-point that iselevated by at least 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Fever is often associatedwith a subjective feeling of hypothermia exhibited as a cold sensation,shivering, increased heart rate and respiration rate by which theindividual's body reaches the increased set-point. As is well understoodin the medical arts, normal body temperature typically varies withactivity level and time of day, with highest temperatures observed inthe afternoon and early evening hours, and lowest temperatures observedduring the second half of the sleep cycle, and temperature measurementsmay be influenced by external factors such as mouth breathing,consumption of food or beverage, smoking, or ambient temperature(depending on the type of measurement). Moreover, the normal temperatureset point for individuals may vary by up to about 0.5 degrees Celsius,thus a medical professional may interpret an individual's temperature inview of these factors to diagnose whether a fever is present. Generallyspeaking, a fever is typically diagnosed by a core body temperatureabove 38.0 degrees Celsius, an oral temperature above 37.5 degreesCelsius, or an axillary temperature above 37.2 degrees Celsius.

Improved:

As used herein, “improved,” “improvement,” and other grammaticalvariants, includes any beneficial change resulting from a treatment. Abeneficial change is any way in which a patient's condition is betterthan it would have been in the absence of the treatment. “Improved”includes prevention of an undesired condition, slowing the rate at whicha condition worsens, delaying the development of an undesired condition,and restoration to an essentially normal condition. For example,improvement in cachexia encompasses any increase in patient's mass, suchas total body mass (excluding weight normally excluded during assessmentof cachexia, e.g. tumor weight, extravascular fluid accumulation, etc.),lean body mass, and/or appendicular lean mass, as well as any delay orslowing in the rate of loss of mass, or prevention or slowing of loss ofmass associated with a disease or condition with which the patient hasbeen diagnosed. For another example, improvement in weakness encompassesany increase in patient's strength, as well as any delay or slowing inthe rate of loss of strength, or prevention or slowing of loss ofstrength associated with a disease or condition with which the patienthas been diagnosed. For yet another example, improvement in fatigueencompasses any decrease in patient's fatigue, as well as any delay orslowing in the rate of increase of fatigue, or prevention or slowing ofincrease in fatigue associated with a disease or condition with whichthe patient has been diagnosed. For still another example, improvementin fever encompasses any decrease in patient's fever, as well as anydelay or slowing in the rate of increase in fever, or prevention orslowing of increase in fever associated with a disease or condition withwhich the patient has been diagnosed.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP):

As used herein, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) encompasses not only thefollowing 224 amino acid sequence available as GenBank Protein AccessionNo. NP_(—)000558:

MEKLLCFLVLTSLSHAFGQTDMSRKAFVFPKESDTSYVSLKAPLTKPLKAFTVCLHFYTELSSTRGYSIFSYATKRQDNEILIFWSKDIGYSFTVGGSEILFEVPEVTVAPVHICTSWESASGIVEFWVDGKPRVRKSLKKGYTVGAEASIILGQEQDSFGGNFEGSQSLVGDIGNVNMWDFVLSPDEINTIYLGGPFSPNVLNWRALKYEVQGEVFTKPQLWP (SEQ ID NO: 726),but also any pre-pro, pro- and mature forms of this CRP amino acidsequence, as well as mutants and variants including allelic variants ofthis sequence. CRP levels, e.g. in the serum, liver, tumor, or elsewherein the body, can be readily measured using routine methods andcommercially available reagents, e.g. ELISA, antibody test strip,immunoturbidimetry, rapid immunodiffusion, visual agglutination, Westernblot, Northern blot, etc. As mentioned above CRP levels may in additionbe measured in patients having or at risk of developing thrombosisaccording to the invention.

Interleukin-6 Receptor (IL-6R); Also Called IL-6 Receptor Alpha(IL-6RA):

As used herein, “interleukin-6 receptor” (“IL-6R”; also “IL-6 receptoralpha” or “IL-6RA”) encompasses not only the following 468 amino acidsequence available as Swiss-Prot Protein Accession No. P08887:MLAVGCALLAALLAAPGAALAPRRCPAQEVARGVLTSLPGDSVTLTCPGVEPEDNATVHWVLRKPAAGSHPSRWAGMGRRLLLRSVQLHDSGNYSCYRAGRPAGTVHLLVDVPPEEPQLSCFRKSPLSNVVCEWGPRSTPSLTTKAVLLVRKFQNSPAEDFQEPCQYSQESQKFSCQLAVPEGDSSFYIVSMCVASSVGSKFSKTQTFQGCGILQPDPPANITVTAVARNPRWLSVTWQDPHSWNSSFYRLRFELRYRAERSKTFTTWMVKDLQHHCVIHDAWSGLRHVVQLRAQEEFGQGEWSEWSPEAMGTPWTESRSPPAENEVSTPMQALTTNKDDDNILFRDSANATSLPVQDSSSVPLPTFLVAGGSLAFGTLLCIAIVLRFKKTWKLRALKEGKTSMHPPYSLGQLVPERPRPTPVLVPLISPPVSPSSLGSDNTSSHNRPDARDPRSPYDISNTDYFFPR (SEQ ID NO:727), but also any pre-pro, pro- and mature forms of this amino acidsequence, as well as mutants and variants including allelic variants ofthis sequence.

gp130:

As used herein, gp130 (also called Interleukin-6 receptor subunit beta)encompasses not only the following 918 precursor amino acid sequenceavailable as Swiss-Prot Protein Accession No. P40189:MLTLQTWVVQALFIFLTTESTGELLDPCGYISPESPVVQLHSNFTAVCVLKEKCMDYFHVNANYIVWKTNHFTIPKEQYTIINRTASSVTFTDIASLNIQLTCNILTFGQLEQNVYGITIISGLPPEKPKNLSCIVNEGKKMRCEWDGGRETHLETNFTLKSEWATHKFADCKAKRDTPTSCTVDYSTVYFVNIEVWVEAENALGKVTSDHINFDPVYKVKPNPPHNLSVINSEELSSILKLTWTNPSIKSVIILKYNIQYRTKDASTWSQIPPEDTASTRSSFTVQDLKPFTEYVFRIRCMKEDGKGYWSDWSEEASGITYEDRPSKAPSFWYKIDPSHTQGYRTVQLVWKTLPPFEANGKILDYEVTLTRWKSHLQNYTVNATKLTVNLTNDRYLATLTVRNLVGKSDAAVLTIPACDFQATHPVMDLKAFPKDNMLWVEWTTPRESVKKYILEWCVLSDKAPCITDWQQEDGTVHRTYLRGNLAESKCYLITVTPVYADGPGSPESIKAYLKQAPPSKGPTVRTKKVGKNEAVLEWDQLPVDVQNGFIRNYTIFYRTIIGNETAVNVDSSHTEYTLSSLTSDTLYMVRMAAYTDEGGKDGPEFTFTTPKFAQGEIEAIVVPVCLAFLLTTLLGVLFCFNKRDLIKKHIWPNVPDPSKSHIAQWSPHTPPRHNFNSKDQMYSDGNFTDVSVVEIEANDKKPFPEDLKSLDLFKKEKINTEGHSSGIGGSSCMSSSRPSISSSDENESSQNTSSTVQYSTVVHSGYRHQVPSVQVFSRSESTQPLLDSEERPEDLQLVDHVDGGDGILPRQQYFKQNCSQHESSPDISHFERSKQVSSVNEEDFVRLKQQISDHISQSCGSGQMKMFQEVSAADAFGPGTEGQVERFETVGMEAATDEGMPKSYLPQTVRQGGYMPQ (SEQ ID NO: 728), but also any pre-pro, pro-and mature forms of this amino acid sequence, such as the mature formencoded by amino acids 23 through 918 of the sequence shown, as well asmutants and variants including allelic variants of this sequence.

Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS):

As used herein, Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) refers to aninflammation-based prognostic score that awards one point for a serumalbumin level less than <35 mg/L and one point for a CRP level above 10mg/L. Thus, a GPS of 0 indicates normal albumin and CRP, a GPS of 1indicates reduced albumin or elevated CRP, and a GPS of 2 indicates bothreduced albumin and elevated CRP.

Effective Amount:

As used herein, “effective amount,” “amount effective to,” “amount of Xeffective to” and the like, refer to an amount of an active ingredientthat is effective to relieve or reduce to some extent one or more of thesymptoms of the disease in need of treatment, or to retard initiation ofclinical markers or symptoms of a disease in need of prevention, whenthe compound is administered. Thus, an effective amount refers to anamount of the active ingredient which exhibit effects such as (i)reversing the rate of progress of a disease, (ii) inhibiting to someextent further progress of the disease, and/or, (iii) relieving to someextent (or, preferably, eliminating) one or more symptoms associatedwith the disease. The effective amount may be empirically determined byexperimenting with the compounds concerned in known in vivo and in vitromodel systems for a disease in need of treatment. The context in whichthe phrase “effective amount” is used may indicate a particular desiredeffect. For example, “an amount of an anti-IL-6 antibody effective toprevent or treat a hypercoagulable state” and similar phrases refer toan amount of anti-IL-6 antibody that, when administered to a subject,will cause a measurable improvement in the subject's coagulationprofile, or prevent, slow, delay, or arrest, a worsening of thecoagulation profile for which the subject is at risk. Similarly, “anamount of an anti-IL-6 antibody effective to reduce serum CRP levels”and similar phrases refer to an amount of anti-IL-6 antibody that, whenadministered to a subject, will cause a measurable decrease in serum CRPlevels, or prevent, slow, delay, or arrest, an increase in serum CRPlevels for which the subject is at risk. Similarly, “an amount of ananti-IL-6 antibody effective to increase serum albumin levels” andsimilar phrases refer to an amount of anti-IL-6 antibody that, whenadministered to a subject, will cause a measurable increase in serumalbumin levels, or prevent, slow, delay, or arrest, a decrease in serumalbumin levels for which the subject is at risk. Similarly, “an amountof an anti-IL-6 antibody effective to reduce weakness” and similarphrases refer to an amount of anti-IL-6 antibody that, when administeredto a subject, will cause a measurable decrease in weakness as determinedby the hand grip strength test. Similarly, “an amount of an anti-IL-6antibody effective to increase weight” and similar phrases refer to anamount of anti-IL-6 antibody that, when administered to a subject, willcause a measurable increase in a patient's weight. An effective amountwill vary according to the weight, sex, age and medical history of theindividual, as well as the severity of the patient's condition(s), thetype of disease(s), mode of administration, and the like. An effectiveamount may be readily determined using routine experimentation, e.g., bytitration (administration of increasing dosages until an effectivedosage is found) and/or by reference to amounts that were effective forprior patients. Generally, the anti-IL-6 antibodies of the presentinvention will be administered in dosages ranging between about 0.1mg/kg and about 20 mg/kg of the patient's body-weight.

Prolonged Improvement in Coagulation Profile:

As used herein, “prolonged improvement in coagulation profile” andsimilar phrases refer to a measurable improvement in the subject'scoagulation profile relative to the initial coagulation profile (i.e.the coagulation profile at a time before treatment begins) that isdetectable within about a week from when treatment begins (e.g.administration of an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1) and remains improvedfor a prolonged duration, e.g., at least about 14 days, at least about21 days, at least about 28 days, at least about 35 days, at least about40 days, at least about 50 days, at least about 60 days, at least about70 days, at least about 11 weeks, or at least about 12 weeks from whenthe treatment begins.

Prolonged Reduction in Serum CRP:

As used herein, “prolonged reduction in serum CRP” and similar phrasesrefer to a measurable decrease in serum CRP level relative to theinitial serum CRP level (i.e. the serum CRP level at a time beforetreatment begins) that is detectable within about a week from when atreatment begins (e.g. administration of an anti-IL-6 antibody) andremains below the initial serum CRP level for an prolonged duration,e.g. at least about 14 days, at least about 21 days, at least about 28days, at least about 35 days, at least about 40 days, at least about 50days, at least about 60 days, at least about 70 days, at least about 11weeks, or at least about 12 weeks from when the treatment begins.

Prolonged Increase in Serum Albumin:

As used herein, “prolonged increase in serum albumin” and similarphrases refer to a measurable decrease in serum albumin level relativeto the initial serum albumin level (i.e. the serum albumin level at atime before treatment begins) that is detectable within about a weekfrom when a treatment begins (e.g. administration of an anti-IL-6antibody) and remains above the initial serum albumin level for anprolonged duration, e.g. at least about 14 days, at least about 21 days,at least about 28 days, at least about 35 days, at least about 40 days,at least about 50 days, at least about 60 days, at least about 70 days,at least about 11 weeks, or at least about 12 weeks from when thetreatment begins.

Prolonged Improvement in Cachexia:

As used herein, “prolonged improvement in cachexia” refers to ameasureable improvement patient's body mass, lean body mass, apendicularlean body mass, and/or lean body mass index, relative to the initiallevel (i.e. the level at a time before treatment begins) that isdetectable within about 4 weeks and remains improved for a prolongedduration, e.g. at least about 35 days, at least about 40 days, at leastabout 50 days, at least about 60 days, at least about 70 days, at leastabout 11 weeks, or at least about 12 weeks from when the treatmentbegins.

Prolonged Improvement in Weakness:

As used herein, “prolonged improvement in weakness” refers to ameasureable improvement in muscular strength, relative to the initiallevel (i.e. the level at a time before treatment begins) that isdetectable within about 2 weeks and remains improved for a prolongedduration, e.g. at least about 21 days, at least about 28 days, at leastabout 35 days, at least about 40 days, at least about 50 days, at leastabout 60 days, at least about 70 days, at least about 11 weeks, or atleast about 12 weeks from when the treatment begins.

Prolonged Improvement in Fatigue:

As used herein, “prolonged improvement in fatigue” refers to ameasureable improvement in fatigue, relative to the initial level (i.e.the level at a time before treatment begins) that is detectable withinabout 1 week and remains improved for a prolonged duration, e.g. atleast about 14 days, at least about 21 days, at least about 28 days, atleast about 35 days, at least about 40 days, at least about 50 days, atleast about 60 days, at least about 70 days, at least about 11 weeks, orat least about 12 weeks from when the treatment begins.

Prolonged Improvement in Fever:

As used herein, “prolonged improvement in fever” refers to a measureabledecrease in fever (e.g. peak temperature or amount of time thattemperature is elevated), relative to the initial level (i.e. the levelat a time before treatment begins) that is detectable within about 1week and remains improved for a prolonged duration, e.g. at least about14 days, at least about 21 days, at least about 28 days, at least about35 days, at least about 40 days, at least about 50 days, at least about60 days, at least about 70 days, at least about 11 weeks, or at leastabout 12 weeks from when the treatment begins.

Mating Competent Yeast Species:

In the present invention this is intended to broadly encompass anydiploid or tetraploid yeast which can be grown in culture. Such speciesof yeast may exist in a haploid, diploid, or tetraploid form. The cellsof a given ploidy may, under appropriate conditions, proliferate forindefinite number of generations in that form. Diploid cells can alsosporulate to form haploid cells. Sequential mating can result intetraploid strains through further mating or fusion of diploid strains.In the present invention the diploid or polyploidal yeast cells arepreferably produced by mating or spheroplast fusion.

In one embodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeast is amember of the Saccharomycetaceae family, which includes the generaArxiozyma; Ascobotryozyma; Citeromyces; Debaryomyces; Dekkera;Eremothecium; Issatchenkia; Kazachstania; Kluyveromyces; Kodamaea;Lodderomyces; Pachysolen; Pichia; Saccharomyces; Saturnispora;Teirapisispora; Torulaspora; Williopsis; and Zygosaccharomyces. Othertypes of yeast potentially useful in the invention include Yarrowia,Rhodoporidium, Candida, Hansenula, Filobasium, Filobasidellla,Sporidiobolus, Bullera, Leucosporidium and Hilobasidella.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeastis a member of the genus Pichia. In a further preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the mating competent yeast of the genus Pichia is one ofthe following species: Pichia pasloris, Pichia methanolica, andHansenula polymorpha (Pichia angusta). In a particularly preferredembodiment of the invention, the mating competent yeast of the genusPichia is the species Pichia pastoris.

Haploid Yeast Cell:

A cell having a single copy of each gene of its normal genomic(chromosomal) complement.

Polyploid Yeast Cell:

A cell having more than one copy of its normal genomic (chromosomal)complement.

Diploid Yeast Cell:

A cell having two copies (alleles) of essentially every gene of itsnormal genomic complement, typically formed by the process of fusion(mating) of two haploid cells.

Tetraploid Yeast Cell:

A cell having four copies (alleles) of essentially every gene of itsnormal genomic complement, typically formed by the process of fusion(mating) of two haploid cells. Tetraploids may carry two, three, four,or more different expression cassettes. Such tetraploids might beobtained in S. cerevisiae by selective mating homozygotic heterothallica/a and alpha/alpha diploids and in Pichia by sequential mating ofhaploids to obtain auxotrophic diploids. For example, a [met his]haploid can be mated with [ade his] haploid to obtain diploid [his]; anda [met arg] haploid can be mated with [ade arg] haploid to obtaindiploid [arg]; then the diploid [his] x diploid [arg] to obtain atetraploid prototroph. It will be understood by those of skill in theart that reference to the benefits and uses of diploid cells may alsoapply to tetraploid cells.

Yeast Mating:

The process by which two haploid yeast cells naturally fuse to form onediploid yeast cell.

Meiosis:

The process by which a diploid yeast cell undergoes reductive divisionto form four haploid spore products. Each spore may then germinate andform a haploid vegetatively growing cell line.

Selectable Marker:

A selectable marker is a gene or gene fragment that confers a growthphenotype (physical growth characteristic) on a cell receiving that geneas, for example through a transformation event. The selectable markerallows that cell to survive and grow in a selective growth medium underconditions in which cells that do not receive that selectable markergene cannot grow. Selectable marker genes generally fall into severaltypes, including positive selectable marker genes such as a gene thatconfers on a cell resistance to an antibiotic or other drug, temperaturewhen two ts mutants are crossed or a ts mutant is transformed; negativeselectable marker genes such as a biosynthetic gene that confers on acell the ability to grow in a medium without a specific nutrient neededby all cells that do not have that biosynthetic gene, or a mutagenizedbiosynthetic gene that confers on a cell inability to grow by cells thatdo not have the wild type gene; and the like. Suitable markers includebut are not limited to: ZEO; G418; LYS3; MET1; MET3a; ADE1; ADE3; URA3;and the like.

Expression Vector:

These DNA vectors contain elements that facilitate manipulation for theexpression of a foreign protein within the target host cell.Conveniently, manipulation of sequences and production of DNA fortransformation is first performed in a bacterial host, e.g. E. coli, andusually vectors will include sequences to facilitate such manipulations,including a bacterial origin of replication and appropriate bacterialselection marker. Selection markers encode proteins necessary for thesurvival or growth of transformed host cells grown in a selectiveculture medium. Host cells not transformed with the vector containingthe selection gene will not survive in the culture medium. Typicalselection genes encode proteins that (a) confer resistance toantibiotics or other toxins, (b) complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or(c) supply critical nutrients not available from complex media.Exemplary vectors and methods for transformation of yeast are described,for example, in Burke, D., Dawson, D., & Steams, T. (2000). Methods inyeast genetics: a Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory course manual.Plainview, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Expression vectors for use in the methods of the invention will furtherinclude yeast specific sequences, including a selectable auxotrophic ordrug marker for identifying transformed yeast strains. A drug marker mayfurther be used to amplify copy number of the vector in a yeast hostcell.

The polypeptide coding sequence of interest is operably linked totranscriptional and translational regulatory sequences that provide forexpression of the polypeptide in yeast cells. These vector componentsmay include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: anenhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription termination sequence.Sequences for the secretion of the polypeptide may also be included,e.g. a signal sequence, and the like. A yeast origin of replication isoptional, as expression vectors are often integrated into the yeastgenome.

In one embodiment of the invention, the polypeptide of interest isoperably linked, or fused, to sequences providing for optimizedsecretion of the polypeptide from yeast diploid cells.

Nucleic acids are “operably linked” when placed into a functionalrelationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for asignal sequence is operably linked to DNA for a polypeptide if it isexpressed as a preprotein that participates in the secretion of thepolypeptide; a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a codingsequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence. Generally,“operably linked” means that the DNA sequences being linked arecontiguous, and, in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and inreading frame. However, enhancers do not have to be contiguous. Linkingis accomplished by ligation at convenient restriction sites oralternatively via a PCR/recombination method familiar to those skilledin the art (Gateway® Technology; Invitrogen, Carlsbad Calif.). If suchsites do not exist, the synthetic oligonucleotide adapters or linkersare used in accordance with conventional practice.

Promoters are untranslated sequences located upstream (5′) to the startcodon of a structural gene (generally within about 100 to 1000 bp) thatcontrol the transcription and translation of particular nucleic acidsequences to which they are operably linked. Such promoters fall intoseveral classes: inducible, constitutive, and repressible promoters(that increase levels of transcription in response to absence of arepressor). Inducible promoters may initiate increased levels oftranscription from DNA under their control in response to some change inculture conditions, e.g., the presence or absence of a nutrient or achange in temperature.

The yeast promoter fragment may also serve as the site for homologousrecombination and integration of the expression vector into the samesite in the yeast genome; alternatively a selectable marker is used asthe site for homologous recombination. Pichia transformation isdescribed in Cregg el al. (1985) Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:3376-3385.

Examples of suitable promoters from Pichia include the AOX1 and promoter(Cregg el al. (1989) Mol. Cell. Biol. 9:1316-1323); ICL1 promoter(Menendez el al. (2003) Yeast 20(13): 1097-108);glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter (GAP) (Waterham et al.(1997) Gene 186(1):37-44); and FLD1 promoter (Shen el al. (1998) Gene216(1):93-102). The GAP promoter is a strong constitutive promoter andthe AOX and FLD1 promoters are inducible.

Other yeast promoters include ADH1, alcohol dehydrogenase II, GAL4,PHO3, PHO5, Pyk, and chimeric promoters derived therefrom. Additionally,non-yeast promoters may be used in the invention such as mammalian,insect, plant, reptile, amphibian, viral, and avian promoters. Mosttypically the promoter will comprise a mammalian promoter (potentiallyendogenous to the expressed genes) or will comprise a yeast or viralpromoter that provides for efficient transcription in yeast systems.

The polypeptides of interest may be produced recombinantly not onlydirectly, but also as a fusion polypeptide with a heterologouspolypeptide, e.g. a signal sequence or other polypeptide having aspecific cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature protein orpolypeptide. In general, the signal sequence may be a component of thevector, or it may be a part of the polypeptide coding sequence that isinserted into the vector. The heterologous signal sequence selectedpreferably is one that is recognized and processed through one of thestandard pathways available within the host cell. The S. cerevisiaealpha factor pro-pro signal has proven effective in the secretion of avariety of recombinant proteins from P. pastoris. Other yeast signalsequences include the alpha mating factor signal sequence, the invertasesignal sequence, and signal sequences derived from other secreted yeastpolypeptides. Additionally, these signal peptide sequences may beengineered to provide for enhanced secretion in diploid yeast expressionsystems. Other secretion signals of interest also include mammaliansignal sequences, which may be heterologous to the protein beingsecreted, or may be a native sequence for the protein being secreted.Signal sequences include pre-peptide sequences, and in some instancesmay include propeptide sequences. Many such signal sequences are knownin the art, including the signal sequences found on immunoglobulinchains, e.g., K28 preprotoxin sequence, PHA-E, FACE, human MCP-1, humanserum albumin signal sequences, human Ig heavy chain, human Ig lightchain, and the like. For example, see Hashimoto et. al. Protein Eng11(2) 75 (1998); and Kobayashi et. al. Therapeutic Apheresis 2(4) 257(1998).

Transcription may be increased by inserting a transcriptional activatorsequence into the vector. These activators are cis-acting elements ofDNA, usually about from 10 to 300 bp, which act on a promoter toincrease its transcription. Transcriptional enhancers are relativelyorientation and position independent, having been found 5′ and 3′ to thetranscription unit, within an intron, as well as within the codingsequence itself. The enhancer may be spliced into the expression vectorat a position 5′ or 3′ to the coding sequence, but is preferably locatedat a site 5′ from the promoter.

Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells may also containsequences necessary for the termination of transcription and forstabilizing the mRNA. Such sequences are commonly available from 3′ tothe translation termination codon, in untranslated regions of eukaryoticor viral DNAs or cDNAs. These regions contain nucleotide segmentstranscribed as polyadenylated fragments in the untranslated portion ofthe mRNA.

Construction of suitable vectors containing one or more of theabove-listed components employs standard ligation techniques orPCR/recombination methods. Isolated plasmids or DNA fragments arecleaved, tailored, and re-ligated in the form desired to generate theplasmids required or via recombination methods. For analysis to confirmcorrect sequences in plasmids constructed, the ligation mixtures areused to transform host cells, and successful transformants selected byantibiotic resistance (e.g. ampicillin or Zeocin) where appropriate.Plasmids from the transformants are prepared, analyzed by restrictionendonuclease digestion and/or sequenced.

As an alternative to restriction and ligation of fragments,recombination methods based on att sites and recombination enzymes maybe used to insert DNA sequences into a vector. Such methods aredescribed, for example, by Landy (1989) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 58:913-949;and are known to those of skill in the art. Such methods utilizeintermolecular DNA recombination that is mediated by a mixture of lambdaand E. coli-encoded recombination proteins. Recombination occurs betweenspecific attachment (all) sites on the interacting DNA molecules. For adescription of att sites see Weisberg and Landy (1983) Site-SpecificRecombination in Phage Lambda, in Lambda II, Weisberg, ed. (Cold SpringHarbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Press), pp. 211-250. The DNA segmentsflanking the recombination sites are switched, such that afterrecombination, the att sites are hybrid sequences comprised of sequencesdonated by each parental vector. The recombination can occur betweenDNAs of any topology.

All sites may be introduced into a sequence of interest by ligating thesequence of interest into an appropriate vector; generating a PCRproduct containing art B sites through the use of specific primers;generating a cDNA library cloned into an appropriate vector containingatt sites; and the like.

Folding, as used herein, refers to the three-dimensional structure ofpolypeptides and proteins, where interactions between amino acidresidues act to stabilize the structure. While non-covalent interactionsare important in determining structure, usually the proteins of interestwill have intra- and/or intermolecular covalent disulfide bonds formedby two cysteine residues. For naturally occurring proteins andpolypeptides or derivatives and variants thereof, the proper folding istypically the arrangement that results in optimal biological activity,and can conveniently be monitored by assays for activity, e.g. ligandbinding, enzymatic activity, etc.

In some instances, for example where the desired product is of syntheticorigin, assays based on biological activity will be less meaningful. Theproper folding of such molecules may be determined on the basis ofphysical properties, energetic considerations, modeling studies, and thelike.

The expression host may be further modified by the introduction ofsequences encoding one or more enzymes that enhance folding anddisulfide bond formation, i.e. foldases, chaperonins, etc. Suchsequences may be constitutively or inducibly expressed in the yeast hostcell, using vectors, markers, etc. as known in the art. Preferably thesequences, including transcriptional regulatory elements sufficient forthe desired pattern of expression, are stably integrated in the yeastgenome through a targeted methodology.

For example, the eukaryotic PDI is not only an efficient catalyst ofprotein cysteine oxidation and disulfide bond isomerization, but alsoexhibits chaperone activity. Co-expression of PDI can facilitate theproduction of active proteins having multiple disulfide bonds. Also ofinterest is the expression of BIP (immunoglobulin heavy chain bindingprotein); cyclophilin; and the like. In one embodiment of the invention,each of the haploid parental strains expresses a distinct foldingenzyme, e.g. one strain may express BIP, and the other strain mayexpress PDI or combinations thereof.

The terms “desired protein” or “target protein” are used interchangeablyand refer generally to a humanized antibody or a binding portion thereofdescribed herein. The term “antibody” is intended to include anypolypeptide chain-containing molecular structure with a specific shapethat fits to and recognizes an epitope, where one or more non-covalentbinding interactions stabilize the complex between the molecularstructure and the epitope. The archetypal antibody molecule is theimmunoglobulin, and all types of immunoglobulins, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE,IgD, etc., from all sources, e.g. human, rodent, rabbit, cow, sheep,pig, dog, other mammals, chicken, other avians, etc., are considered tobe “antibodies.” A preferred source for producing antibodies useful asstarting material according to the invention is rabbits. Numerousantibody coding sequences have been described; and others may be raisedby methods well-known in the art. Examples thereof include chimericantibodies, human antibodies and other non-human mammalian antibodies,humanized antibodies, single chain antibodies such as scFvs,camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR (single-chain antibodies derived fromsharks), small-modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs), and antibodyfragments such as Fabs, Fab′, F(ab′)₂ and the like. See Streltsov V A,el al., Structure of a shark IgNAR antibody variable domain and modelingof an early-developmental isotype, Protein Sci. 2005 November;14(11):2901-9. Epub 2005 Sep. 30; Greenberg A S, et al., A new antigenreceptor gene family that undergoes rearrangement and extensive somaticdiversification in sharks, Nature. 1995 Mar. 9; 374(6518):168-73;Nuttall S D, et al., Isolation of the new antigen receptor fromwobbegong sharks, and use as a scaffold for the display of protein looplibraries, Mol Immunol. 2001 August; 38(4):313-26; Hamers-Casterman C,et al., Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains, Nature.1993 Jun. 3; 363(6428):446-8; Gill D S, et al., Biopharmaceutical drugdiscovery using novel protein scaffolds, Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2006December; 17(6):653-8. Epub 2006 Oct. 19.

For example, antibodies or antigen binding fragments or variantsthereofs may be produced by genetic engineering. In this technique, aswith other methods, antibody-producing cells are sensitized to thedesired antigen or immunogen. The messenger RNA isolated from antibodyproducing cells is used as a template to make cDNA using PCRamplification. A library of vectors, each containing one heavy chaingene and one light chain gene retaining the initial antigen specificity,is produced by insertion of appropriate sections of the amplifiedimmunoglobulin cDNA into the expression vectors. A combinatorial libraryis constructed by combining the heavy chain gene library with the lightchain gene library. This results in a library of clones which co-expressa heavy and light chain (resembling the Fab fragment or antigen bindingfragment of an antibody molecule). The vectors that carry these genesare co-transfected into a host cell. When antibody gene synthesis isinduced in the transfected host, the heavy and light chain proteinsself-assemble to produce active antibodies that can be detected byscreening with the antigen or immunogen.

Antibody coding sequences of interest include those encoded by nativesequences, as well as nucleic acids that, by virtue of the degeneracy ofthe genetic code, are not identical in sequence to the disclosed nucleicacids, and variants thereof. Variant polypeptides can include amino acid(aa) substitutions, additions or deletions. The amino acid substitutionscan be conservative amino acid substitutions or substitutions toeliminate non-essential amino acids, such as to alter a glycosylationsite, or to minimize misfolding by substitution or deletion of one ormore cysteine residues that are not necessary for function. Variants canbe designed so as to retain or have enhanced biological activity of aparticular region of the protein (e.g., a functional domain, catalyticamino acid residues, etc). Variants also include fragments of thepolypeptides disclosed herein, particularly biologically activefragments and/or fragments corresponding to functional domains.Techniques for in vitro mutagenesis of cloned genes are known. Alsoincluded in the subject invention are polypeptides that have beenmodified using ordinary molecular biological techniques so as to improvetheir resistance to proteolytic degradation or to optimize solubilityproperties or to render them more suitable as a therapeutic agent.

Chimeric antibodies may be made by recombinant means by combining thevariable light and heavy chain regions (V_(L) and V_(H)), obtained fromantibody producing cells of one species with the constant light andheavy chain regions from another. Typically chimeric antibodies utilizerodent or rabbit variable regions and human constant regions, in orderto produce an antibody with predominantly human domains. The productionof such chimeric antibodies is well known in the art, and may beachieved by standard means (as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No.5,624,659, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). It isfurther contemplated that the human constant regions of chimericantibodies of the invention may be selected from IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4,IgG5, IgG6, IgG7, IgG8, IgG9, IgG10, IgG11, IgG12, IgG13, IgG14, IgG15,IgG16, IgG17, IgG18 or IgG19 constant regions.

Humanized antibodies are engineered to contain even more human-likeimmunoglobulin domains, and incorporate only thecomplementarity-determining regions of the animal-derived antibody. Thisis accomplished by carefully examining the sequence of thehyper-variable loops of the variable regions of the monoclonal antibody,and fitting them to the structure of the human antibody chains. Althoughfacially complex, the process is straightforward in practice. See, e.g.,U.S. Pat. No. 6,187,287, incorporated fully herein by reference.

In addition to entire immunoglobulins (or their recombinantcounterparts), immunoglobulin fragments comprising the epitope bindingsite (e.g., Fab′, F(ab′)₂, or other fragments) may be synthesized.“Fragment,” or minimal immunoglobulins may be designed utilizingrecombinant immunoglobulin techniques. For instance “Fv” immunoglobulinsfor use in the present invention may be produced by synthesizing a fusedvariable light chain region and a variable heavy chain region.Combinations of antibodies are also of interest, e.g. diabodies, whichcomprise two distinct Fv specificities. In another embodiment of theinvention, SMIPs (small molecule immunopharmaceuticals), camelbodies,nanobodies, and IgNAR are encompassed by immunoglobulin fragments.

Immunoglobulins and fragments thereof may be modifiedpost-translationally, e.g. to add effector moieties such as chemicallinkers, detectable moieties, such as fluorescent dyes, enzymes, toxins,substrates, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials,chemiluminescent moieties and the like, or specific binding moieties,such as streptavidin, avidin, or biotin, and the like may be utilized inthe methods and compositions of the present invention. Examples ofadditional effector molecules are provided infra.

The term “polyploid yeast that stably expresses or expresses a desiredsecreted heterologous polypeptide for prolonged time” refers to a yeastculture that secretes said polypeptide for at least several days to aweek, more preferably at least a month, still more preferably at least1-6 months, and even more preferably for more than a year at thresholdexpression levels, typically at least 10-25 mg/liter and preferablysubstantially greater.

The term “polyploidal yeast culture that secretes desired amounts ofrecombinant polypeptide” refers to cultures that stably or for prolongedperiods secrete at least 10-25 mg/liter of heterologous polypeptide,more preferably at least 50-500 mg/liter, and most preferably 500-1000mg/liter or more.

A polynucleotide sequence “corresponds” to a polypeptide sequence iftranslation of the polynucleotide sequence in accordance with thegenetic code yields the polypeptide sequence (i.e., the polynucleotidesequence “encodes” the polypeptide sequence), one polynucleotidesequence “corresponds” to another polynucleotide sequence if the twosequences encode the same polypeptide sequence.

A “heterologous” region or domain of a DNA construct is an identifiablesegment of DNA within a larger DNA molecule that is not found inassociation with the larger molecule in nature. Thus, when theheterologous region encodes a mammalian gene, the gene will usually beflanked by DNA that does not flank the mammalian genomic DNA in thegenome of the source organism. Another example of a heterologous regionis a construct where the coding sequence itself is not found in nature(e.g., a cDNA where the genomic coding sequence contains introns, orsynthetic sequences having codons different than the native gene).Allelic variations or naturally-occurring mutational events do not giverise to a heterologous region of DNA as defined herein.

A “coding sequence” is an in-frame sequence of codons that (in view ofthe genetic code) correspond to or encode a protein or peptide sequence.Two coding sequences correspond to each other if the sequences or theircomplementary sequences encode the same amino acid sequences. A codingsequence in association with appropriate regulatory sequences may betranscribed and translated into a polypeptide. A polyadenylation signaland transcription termination sequence will usually be located 3′ to thecoding sequence. A “promoter sequence” is a DNA regulatory regioncapable of binding RNA polymerase in a cell and initiating transcriptionof a downstream (3′ direction) coding sequence. Promoter sequencestypically contain additional sites for binding of regulatory molecules(e.g., transcription factors) which affect the transcription of thecoding sequence. A coding sequence is “under the control” of thepromoter sequence or “operatively linked” to the promoter when RNApolymerase binds the promoter sequence in a cell and transcribes thecoding sequence into mRNA, which is then in turn translated into theprotein encoded by the coding sequence.

Vectors are used to introduce a foreign substance, such as DNA, RNA orprotein, into an organism or host cell. Typical vectors includerecombinant viruses (for polynucleotides) and liposomes or other lipidaggregates (for polypeptides and/or polynucleotides). A “DNA vector” isa replicon, such as plasmid, phage or cosmid, to which anotherpolynucleotide segment may be attached so as to bring about thereplication of the attached segment. An “expression vector” is a DNAvector which contains regulatory sequences which will direct polypeptidesynthesis by an appropriate host cell. This usually means a promoter tobind RNA polymerase and initiate transcription of mRNA, as well asribosome binding sites and initiation signals to direct translation ofthe mRNA into a polypeptide(s). Incorporation of a polynucleotidesequence into an expression vector at the proper site and in correctreading frame, followed by transformation of an appropriate host cell bythe vector, enables the production of a polypeptide encoded by saidpolynucleotide sequence. Exemplary expression vectors and techniques fortheir use are described in the following publications: Old et al.,Principles of Gene Manipulation: An Introduction to Genetic Engineering,Blackwell Scientific Publications, 4th edition, 1989; Sambrook et al.,Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring HarborLaboratory Press, 1989; Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A LaboratoryManual, 3rd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2001; Gorman,“High Efficiency Gene Transfer into Mammalian Cells,” in DNA Cloning,Volume II, Glover, D. M., Ed., IRL Press, Washington, D.C., pp. 143 190(1985).

For example, a liposomes or other lipid aggregate may comprise a lipidsuch as phosphatidylcholines (lecithins) (PC), phosphatidylethanolamines(PE), lysolecithins, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines(PS), phosphatidylglycerols (PG), phosphatidylinositol (PI),sphingomyelins, cardiolipin, phosphatidic acids (PA), fatty acids,gangliosides, glucolipids, glycolipids, mono-, di or triglycerides,ceramides, cerebrosides and combinations thereof; a cationic lipid (orother cationic amphiphile) such as 1,2-dioleyloxy-3-(trimethylamino)propane (DOTAP);N-cholesteryloxycarbaryl-3,7,12-triazapentadecane-1,15-diamine (CTAP);N-[1-(2,3-ditetradecyloxy)propyl]-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethylammoniumbromide (DMRIE); N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxy)propyl]-N,N-dimethyl-N-hydroxyethylammonium bromide (DORIE);N-[1-(2,3-dioleyloxyl)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA);3 beta [N—(N′,N′-dimethylaminoethane)carbamoly]cholesterol (DC-Choi);and dimethyldioctadecylammonium (DDAB); dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), cholesterol-containing DOPC; and combinationsthereof; and/or a hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone,polyvinylmethylether, polymethyloxazoline, polyethyloxazoline,polyhydroxypropyloxazoline, polyhydroxypropylmethacrylamide,polymethacrylamide, polydimethylacrylamide,polyhydroxypropylmethacrylate, polyhydroxyethylacrylate,hydroxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneglycol,polyaspartamide and combinations thereof. Other suitable cationic lipidsare described in Miller, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 37:1768 1785 (1998), andCooper et al., Chem. Eur. J. 4(1): 137 151 (1998). Liposomes can becrosslinked, partially crosslinked, or free from crosslinking.Crosslinked liposomes can include crosslinked as well as non-crosslinkedcomponents. Suitable cationic liposomes or cytofectins are commerciallyavailable and can also be prepared as described in Sipkins et al.,Nature Medicine, 1998, 4(5):(1998), 623 626 or as described in Miller,supra. Exemplary liposomes includes a polymerizable zwitterionic orneutral lipid, a polymerizable integrin targeting lipid and apolymerizable cationic lipid suitable for binding a nucleic acid.Liposomes can optionally include peptides that provide increasedefficiency, for example as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,759.Additional exemplary liposomes and other lipid aggregates are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,166,298.

“Amplification” of polynucleotide sequences is the in vitro productionof multiple copies of a particular nucleic acid sequence. The amplifiedsequence is usually in the form of DNA. A variety of techniques forcarrying out such amplification are described in a review article by VanBrunt (1990, Bio/Technol., 8(4):291-294). Polymerase chain reaction orPCR is a prototype of nucleic acid amplification, and use of PCR hereinshould be considered exemplary of other suitable amplificationtechniques.

The general structure of antibodies in vertebrates now is wellunderstood (Edelman, G. M., Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci., 190: 5 (1971)).Antibodies consist of two identical light polypeptide chains ofmolecular weight approximately 23,000 daltons (the “light chain”), andtwo identical heavy chains of molecular weight 53,000-70,000 (the “heavychain”). The four chains are joined by disulfide bonds in a “Y”configuration wherein the light chains bracket the heavy chains startingat the mouth of the “Y” configuration. The “branch” portion of the “Y”configuration is designated the F_(ab) region; the stem portion of the“Y” configuration is designated the Fc region. The amino acid sequenceorientation runs from the N-terminal end at the top of the “Y”configuration to the C-terminal end at the bottom of each chain. TheN-terminal end possesses the variable region having specificity for theantigen that elicited it, and is approximately 100 amino acids inlength, there being slight variations between light and heavy chain andfrom antibody to antibody.

The variable region is linked in each chain to a constant region thatextends the remaining length of the chain and that within a particularclass of antibody does not vary with the specificity of the antibody(i.e., the antigen eliciting it). There are five known major classes ofconstant regions that determine the class of the immunoglobulin molecule(IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE corresponding to γ, μ, α, δ, and ε (gamma,mu, alpha, delta, or epsilon) heavy chain constant regions). Theconstant region or class determines subsequent effector function of theantibody, including activation of complement (Kabat, E. A., StructuralConcepts in Immunology and Immunochemistry, 2nd Ed., p. 413-436, Holt,Rinehart, Winston (1976)), and other cellular responses (Andrews, D. W.,et al., Clinical Immunobiology, pp 1-18, W. B. Sanders (1980); Kohl, S.,et al., Immunology, 48: 187 (1983)); while the variable regiondetermines the antigen with which it will react. Light chains areclassified as either K (kappa) or 1 (lambda). Each heavy chain class canbe paired with either kappa or lambda light chain. The light and heavychains are covalently bonded to each other, and the “tail” portions ofthe two heavy chains are bonded to each other by covalent disulfidelinkages when the immunoglobulins are generated either by hybridomas orby B cells.

The expression “variable region” or “VR” refers to the domains withineach pair of light and heavy chains in an antibody that are involveddirectly in binding the antibody to the antigen. Each heavy chain has atone end a variable domain (V_(H)) followed by a number of constantdomains. Each light chain has a variable domain (V_(L)) at one end and aconstant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chainis aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and thelight chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of theheavy chain.

The expressions “complementarity determining region,” “hypervariableregion,” or “CDR” refer to one or more of the hyper-variable orcomplementarity determining regions (CDRs) found in the variable regionsof light or heavy chains of an antibody (See Kabat, E. A. et al.,Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, National Institutes ofHealth, Bethesda, Md., (1987)). These expressions include thehypervariable regions as defined by Kabat et al. (“Sequences of Proteinsof Immunological Interest,” Kabat E., et al., US Dept. of Health andHuman Services, 1983) or the hypervariable loops in 3-dimensionalstructures of antibodies (Chothia and Lesk, J Mol. Biol. 196 901-917(1987)). The CDRs in each chain are held in close proximity by frameworkregions and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to theformation of the antigen binding site. Within the CDRs there are selectamino acids that have been described as the selectivity determiningregions (SDRs) which represent the critical contact residues used by theCDR in the antibody-antigen interaction (Kashmiri, S., Methods, 36:25-34(2005)).

The expressions “framework region” or “FR” refer to one or more of theframework regions within the variable regions of the light and heavychains of an antibody (See Kabat, E. A. et al., Sequences of Proteins ofImmunological Interest, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.,(1987)). These expressions include those amino acid sequence regionsinterposed between the CDRs within the variable regions of the light andheavy chains of an antibody.

Ab1 Anti-IL-6 Antibodies and Binding Fragments Thereof

The invention includes antibodies having binding specificity to IL-6 andpossessing a variable light chain sequence comprising the sequence setforth below: MDTRAPTQLLGLLLLWLPGARCAYDMTQTPASVSAAVGGTVTIKCQASQSINNELSWYQQKPGQRPKLLIYRASTLASGVSSRFKGSGSGTEFTLTISDLECADAATYYCQQGYSLRNIDNAFGGGTEVVVKRTVAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNN (SEQ ID NO: 2) andhumanized versions and variants thereof including those set forth inFIGS. 2 and 34-35, and 36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B, and thoseidentified in Table 1.

The invention also includes antibodies having binding specificity toIL-6 and possessing a variable heavy chain sequence comprising thesequence set forth below:METGLRWLLLVAVLKGVQCQSLEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTASGFSLSNYYVTWVRQAPGKGLEWIGIIYGSDETAYATWAIGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSLTAADTATYFCARDDSSDWDAKFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK (SEQ ID NO: 3) andhumanized versions and variants thereof including those set forth inFIGS. 2 and 34-35, and 36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B, and thoseidentified in Table 1.

The invention further includes antibodies having binding specificity toIL-6 and possessing a variable heavy chain sequence which is a modifiedversion of SEQ ID NO:3 wherein the tryptophan residue in CDR2 is changedto a serine as set forth below:METGLRWLLLVAVLKGVQCQSLEESGGRLVTPGTPLTLTCTASGFSLSNYYVTWVRQAPGKGLEWIGIIYGSDETAYATSAIGRFTISKTSTTVDLKMTSLTAADTATYFCARDDSSDWDAKFNLWGQGTLVTVSSASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVK (SEQ ID NO: 658) andhumanized versions and variants thereof including those set forth inFIGS. 2 and 34-35, and 36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B, and thoseidentified in Table 1.

The invention further contemplates antibodies comprising one or more ofthe polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5; and SEQ ID NO:6 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, orhypervariable regions) of the variable light chain sequence of SEQ IDNO: 2, and/or one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7;SEQ ID NO: 8 or 120; and SEQ ID NO: 9 which correspond to thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) ofthe variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or 19, or combinationsof these polypeptide sequences. In another embodiment of the invention,the antibodies of the invention include combinations of the CDRs and thevariable heavy and light chain sequences set forth above.

In another embodiment, the invention contemplates other antibodies, suchas for example chimeric antibodies, comprising one or more of thepolypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5; and SEQ ID NO: 6which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs, orhypervariable regions) of the variable light chain sequence of SEQ IDNO: 2, and/or one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7;SEQ ID NO: 8 or 120; and SEQ ID NO: 9 which correspond to thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) ofthe variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or 19, or combinationsof these polypeptide sequences. In another embodiment of the invention,the antibodies of the invention include combinations of the CDRs and thevariable heavy and light chain sequences set forth above.

The invention also contemplates fragments of the antibody having bindingspecificity to IL-6. In one embodiment of the invention, antibodyfragments of the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, thepolypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702,706, or 709. In another embodiment of the invention, antibody fragmentsof the invention comprise, or alternatively consist of, the polypeptidesequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652, 656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665,704, or 708.

In a further embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodyhaving binding specificity to IL-6 comprise, or alternatively consistof, one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO:5; and SEQ ID NO: 6 which correspond to the complementarity-determiningregions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the variable light chainsequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In a further embodiment of the invention, fragments of the antibodyhaving binding specificity to IL-6 comprise, or alternatively consistof, one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7; SEQ ID NO:8 or SEQ ID NO: 120; and SEQ ID NO: 9 which correspond to thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) ofthe variable heavy chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or 19.

The invention also contemplates antibody fragments which include one ormore of the antibody fragments described herein. In one embodiment ofthe invention, fragments of the antibodies having binding specificity toIL-6 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one, two, three or more,including all of the following antibody fragments: the variable lightchain region of SEQ ID NO: 2; the variable heavy chain region of SEQ IDNO: 3; the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO:5; and SEQ ID NO: 6) of the variable light chain region of SEQ ID NO: 2;and the complementarity-determining regions (SEQ ID NO: 7; SEQ ID NO: 8or SEQ ID NO: 120; and SEQ ID NO: 9) of the variable heavy chain regionof SEQ ID NO: 3 or 19.

The invention also contemplates variants wherein either of the heavychain polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 18 or SEQ ID NO: 19 issubstituted for the heavy chain polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3;the light chain polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20 is substituted forthe light chain polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the heavychain CDR sequence of SEQ ID NO: 120 is substituted for the heavy chainCDR sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody isAb1, comprising SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 3, or the alternative SEQ IDNOs set forth in the preceding paragraph, and having at least one of thebiological activities set forth herein.

Sequences of anti-IL-6 antibodies of the present invention are shown inTable 1. Exemplary sequence variants other alternative forms of theheavy and light chains of Ab1 through Ab7 are shown. The antibodies ofthe present invention encompass additional sequence variants, includingconservative substitutions, substitution of one or more CDR sequencesand/or FR sequences, etc.

Exemplary Ab1 embodiments include an antibody comprising a variant ofthe light chain and/or heavy chain. Exemplary variants of the lightchain of Ab1 include the sequence of any of the Ab1 light chains shown(i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, or709) wherein the entire CDR1 sequence is replaced or wherein one or moreresidues in the CDR1 sequence is substituted by the residue in thecorresponding position of any of the other light chain CDR1 sequencesset forth (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 23, 39, 55, 71, 87, 103, 124, 140,156, 172, 188, 204, 220, 236, 252, 268, 284, 300, 316, 332, 348, 364,380, 396, 412, 428, 444, 460, 476, 492, 508, 524, 540, 556, or 572);and/or wherein the entire CDR2 sequence is replaced or wherein one ormore residues in the CDR2 sequence is substituted by the residue in thecorresponding position of any of the other light chain CDR2 sequencesset forth (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 24, 40, 56, 72, 88, 104, 125, 141,157, 173, 189, 205, 221, 237, 253, 269, 285, 301, 317, 333, 349, 365,381, 397, 413, 429, 445, 461, 477, 493, 509, 525, 541, 557, or 573);and/or wherein the entire CDR3 sequence is replaced or wherein one ormore residues in the CDR3 sequence is substituted by the residue in thecorresponding position of any of the other light chain CDR3 sequencesset forth (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 25, 41, 57, 73, 89, 105, 126, 142,158, 174, 190, 206, 222, 238, 254, 270, 286, 302, 318, 334, 350, 366,382, 398, 414, 430, 446, 462, 478, 494, 510, 526, 542, 558, or 574).

Exemplary variants of the heavy chain of Ab1 include the sequence of anyof the Ab1 heavy chains shown (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652,656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, or 708) wherein the entire CDR1sequence is replaced or wherein one or more residues in the CDR1sequence is substituted by the residue in the corresponding position ofany of the other heavy chain CDR1 sequences set forth (i.e., any of SEQID NO: 26, 42, 58, 74, 90, 106, 127, 143, 159, 175, 191, 207, 223, 239,255, 271, 287, 303, 319, 335, 351, 367, 383, 399, 415, 431, 447, 463,479, 495, 511, 527, 543, 559, or 575); and/or wherein the entire CDR2sequence is replaced or wherein one or more residues in the CDR2sequence is substituted by the residue in the corresponding position ofan Ab1 heavy chain CDR2, such as those set forth in Table 1 (i.e., anyof SEQ ID NO: 8, or 120) or any of the other heavy chain CDR2 sequencesset forth (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 27, 43, 59, 75, 91, 107, 121, 128,144, 160, 176, 192, 208, 224, 240, 256, 272, 288, 304, 320, 336, 352,368, 384, 400, 416, 432, 448, 464, 480, 496, 512, 528, 544, 560, or576); and/or wherein the entire CDR3 sequence is replaced or wherein oneor more residues in the CDR3 sequence is substituted by the residue inthe corresponding position of any of the other heavy chain CDR3sequences set forth (i.e., any of SEQ ID NO: 28, 44, 60, 76, 92, 108,129, 145, 161, 177, 193, 209, 225, 241, 257, 273, 289, 305, 321, 337,353, 369, 385, 401, 417, 433, 449, 465, 481, 497, 513, 529, 545, 561, or577).

In another embodiment, the invention contemplates other antibodies, suchas for example chimeric or humanized antibodies, comprising one or moreof the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 4; SEQ ID NO: 5; and SEQ IDNO: 6 which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions (CDRs,or hypervariable regions) of the variable light chain sequence of SEQ IDNO: 2, and/or one or more of the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO: 7(CDR1); SEQ ID NO:8 (CDR2); SEQ ID NO:120 (CDR2); and SEQ ID NO: 9(CDR3) which correspond to the complementarity-determining regions(CDRs, or hypervariable regions) of the variable heavy chain sequence ofSEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:19, or combinations of these polypeptidesequences. In another embodiment of the invention, the antibodies of theinvention include combinations of the CDRs and the variable heavy andlight chain sequences set forth above including those set forth in FIGS.2 and 34-35, and 36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B, and those identified inTable 1.

In another embodiment the anti-IL-6 antibody of the invention is onecomprising at least one of the following: a CDR1 light chain encoded bythe sequence in SEQ ID NO:12 or SEQ ID NO:694; a light chain CDR2encoded by the sequence in SEQ ID NO:13; a light chain CDR3 encoded bythe sequence in SEQ ID NO:14 or SEQ ID NO:695; a heavy chain CDR1encoded by the sequence in SEQ ID NO:15, a heavy chain CDR2 encoded bySEQ ID NO:16 or SEQ ID NO:696 and a heavy chain CDR3 encoded by SEQ IDNO:17 or SEQ ID NO:697. In addition the invention embraces such nucleicacid sequences and variants thereof.

In another embodiment the invention is directed to amino acid sequencescorresponding to the CDRs of said anti-IL-6 antibody which are selectedfrom SEQ ID NO:4 (CDR1), SEQ ID NO:5 (CDR2), SEQ ID NO:6 (CDR3), SEQ IDNO:7, SEQ ID NO:120 and SEQ ID NO:9.

In another embodiment the anti-IL-6 antibody of the invention comprisesa light chain nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, 662, 698, 701,705, 720, 721, 722, or 723; and/or a heavy chain nucleic acid sequenceof SEQ ID NO: 11, 663, 700, 703, 707, 724, or 725. In addition theinvention is directed to the corresponding polypeptides encoded by anyof the foregoing nucleic acid sequences and combinations thereof.

In a specific embodiment of the invention the anti-IL-6 antibodies or aportion thereof will be encoded by a nucleic acid sequence selected fromthose comprised in SEQ ID NO: 10, 12, 13, 14, 662, 694, 695, 698, 701,705, 720, 721, 722, 723, 11, 15, 16, 17, 663, 696, 697, 700, 703, 707,724, and 725. For example the CDR1 in the light chain may be encoded bySEQ ID NO:12 or 694, the CDR2 in the light chain may be encoded by SEQID NO:13, the CDR3 in the light chain may be encoded by SEQ ID NO:14 or695; the CDR1 in the heavy chain may be encoded by SEQ ID NO:15, theCDR2 in the heavy chain may be encoded by SEQ ID NO:16 or 696, the CDR3in the heavy chain may be encoded by SEQ ID NO: 17 or 697. As discussedinfra antibodies containing these CDRs may be constructed usingappropriate human frameworks based on the humanization methods disclosedherein.

In another specific embodiment of the invention the variable light chainwill be encoded by SEQ ID NO: 10, 662, 698, 701, 705, 720, 721, 722, or723 and the variable heavy chain of the anti-IL-6 antibodies will beencoded by SEQ ID NO: 11, 663, 700, 703, 707, 724, or 725.

In a more specific embodiment variable light and heavy chains of theanti-IL-6 antibody respectively will be encoded by SEQ ID NO:10 and 11,or SEQ ID NO:698 and SEQ ID NO:700, or SEQ ID NO:701 and SEQ ID NO:703or SEQ ID NO:705 and SEQ ID NO:707.

In another specific embodiment the invention covers nucleic acidconstructs containing any of the foregoing nucleic acid sequences andcombinations thereof as well as recombinant cells containing thesenucleic acid sequences and constructs containing wherein these nucleicacid sequences or constructs may be extrachromosomal or integrated intothe host cell genome

In another specific embodiment the invention covers polypeptidescontaining any of the CDRs or combinations thereof recited in SEQ IDNO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:120, SEQ ID NO:9 or polypeptides comprising any of the variable lightpolypeptides comprised in SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 647, 651, 660, 666, 699,702, 706, or 709 and/or the variable heavy polypeptides comprised in SEQID NO: 3 18, 19, 652, 656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, or 708. Thesepolypeptides optionally may be attached directly or indirectly to otherimmunoglobulin polypeptides or effector moieties such as therapeutic ordetectable entities.

In another embodiment the anti-IL-6 antibody is one comprising at leastone of the following: a variable light chain encoded by the sequence inSEQ ID NO:10 or SEQ ID NO:698 or SEQ ID NO:701 or SEQ ID NO:705 and avariable chain encoded by the sequence in SEQ ID NO: 11 or SEQ ID NO:700or SEQ ID NO:703 or SEQ ID NO:707.

In another embodiment the anti-IL-6 antibody is a variant of theforegoing sequences that includes one or more substitution in theframework and/or CDR sequences and which has one or more of theproperties of Ab1 in vitro and/or upon in vivo administration.

These in vitro and in vivo properties are described in more detail inthe examples below and include: competing with Ab1 for binding to IL-6and/or peptides thereof; having a binding affinity (Kd) for IL-6 of lessthan about 50 picomolar, and/or a rate of dissociation (K_(off)) fromIL-6 of less than or equal to 10⁻⁴ S⁻¹; having an in-vivo half-life ofat least about 22 days in a healthy human subject; ability to prevent ortreat hypoalbumemia; ability to prevent or treat elevated CRP; abilityto prevent or treat abnormal coagulation; and/or ability to decrease therisk of thrombosis in an individual having a disease or conditionassociated with increased risk of thrombosis. Additional non-limitingexamples of anti-IL-6 activity are set forth herein, for example, underthe heading “Anti-IL-6 Activity.”

In another embodiment the anti-IL-6 antibody includes one or more of theAb1 light-chain and/or heavy chain CDR sequences (see Table 1) orvariant(s) thereof which has one or more of the properties of Ab1 invitro and/or upon in vivo administration (examples of such propertiesare discussed in the preceding paragraph). One of skill in the art wouldunderstand how to combine these CDR sequences to form an antigen-bindingsurface, e.g. by linkage to one or more scaffold which may comprisehuman or other mammalian framework sequences, or their functionalorthologs derived from a SMIP, camelbody, nanobody, IgNAR or otherimmunoglobulin or other engineered antibody. For example, embodimentsmay specifically bind to human IL-6 and include one, two, three, four,five, six, or more of the following CDR sequences or variants thereof:

a polypeptide having at least 72.7% (i.e., 8 out of 11 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having at least 81.8% (i.e., 9 out of 11 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having at least 90.9% (i.e., 10 out of 11 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 11 out of 11 amino acids) identity tothe light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having at least 85.7% (i.e., 6 out of 7 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 7 out of 7 amino acids) identity to thelight chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12 amino acids) identity tothe light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 80% (i.e., 4 out of 5 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 5 out of 5 amino acids) identity to theheavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 8 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 56.2% (i.e., 9 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 62.5% (i.e., 10 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 68.7% (i.e., 11 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 12 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 81.2% (i.e., 13 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 87.5% (i.e., 14 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 93.7% (i.e., 15 out of 16 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 16 out of 16 amino acids) identity tothe heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 33.3% (i.e., 4 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 41.6% (i.e., 5 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11 out of 12 amino acids)identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12 amino acids) identity tothe heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 90.9% (i.e., 10 out of 11 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 11 out of 11 amino acids) similarity tothe light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polypeptide having at least 85.7% (i.e., 6 out of 7 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 7 out of 7 amino acids) similarity tothe light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12 amino acids) similarity tothe light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polypeptide having at least 80% (i.e., 4 out of 5 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 5 out of 5 amino acids) similarity tothe heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polypeptide having at least 56.2% (i.e., 9 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 62.5% (i.e., 10 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 68.7% (i.e., 11 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 12 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 81.2% (i.e., 13 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 87.5% (i.e., 14 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 93.7% (i.e., 15 out of 16 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 16 out of 16 amino acids) similarity tothe heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11 out of 12 amino acids)similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12 amino acids) similarity tothe heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9.

Other exemplary embodiments include one or more polynucleotides encodingany of the foregoing, e.g., a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide thatspecifically binds to human IL-6 and includes one, two, three, four,five, six, or more of the following CDRs or variants thereof:

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 72.7% (i.e., 8out of 11 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 81.8% (i.e., 9out of 11 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 90.9% (i.e., 10out of 11 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 11 out of 11amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 85.7% (i.e., 6out of 7 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 7 out of 7amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 outof 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7out of 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8out of 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 outof 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10out of 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11out of 12 amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12amino acids) identity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 80% (i.e., 4 outof 5 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 5 out of 5amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 8 outof 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 56.2% (i.e., 9out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 62.5% (i.e., 10out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 68.7% (i.e., 11out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 12out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 81.2% (i.e., 13out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 87.5% (i.e., 14out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 93.7% (i.e., 15out of 16 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 16 out of 16amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 33.3% (i.e., 4out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 41.6% (i.e., 5out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 outof 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 outof 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11out of 12 amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12amino acids) identity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 90.9% (i.e., 10out of 11 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO:4;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 11 out of 11amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 4,

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 85.7% (i.e., 6out of 7 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:5;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 7 out of 7amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 5;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 outof 12 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12amino acids) similarity to the light chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 6;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 80% (i.e., 4 outof 5 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 5 out of 5amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 7;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 56.2% (i.e., 9out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 62.5% (i.e., 10out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 68.7% (i.e., 11out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 12out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 81.2% (i.e., 13out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 87.5% (i.e., 14out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 93.7% (i.e., 15out of 16 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO:120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 16 out of 16amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 120;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 50% (i.e., 6 outof 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 58.3% (i.e., 7out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 66.6% (i.e., 8out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 75% (i.e., 9 outof 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 83.3% (i.e., 10out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having at least 91.6% (i.e., 11out of 12 amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO:9;

a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having 100% (i.e., 12 out of 12amino acids) similarity to the heavy chain CDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 9.

TABLE 1 Sequences of exemplary anti-IL-6 antibodies. Antibody chainsCDR1 CDR2 CDR3 Antibody PRT. Nuc. PRT. Nuc. PRT. Nuc. PRT. Nuc. Ab1light chains * 2 10 4 12 5 13 6 14 20 720 4 12 5 13 6 14 647 721 4 12 513 6 14 651 4 12 5 13 6 14 660 662 4 12 5 13 6 14 666 722 4 12 5 13 6 14699 698 4 694 5 13 6 695 702 701 4 694 5 13 6 695 706 705 4 694 5 13 6695 709 723 4 12 5 13 6 14 Human light 648 710 713 chains used in 649711 714 Ab1 humanization 650 712 715 Ab1 heavy chains 3 11 7 15 8 16 917 18 7 15 8 16 9 17 19 724 7 15 120 696 9 17 652 725 7 15 8 16 9 17 6567 15 8 16 9 17 657 700 7 15 659 696 9 697 658 7 15 120 696 9 17 661 6637 15 8 16 9 17 664 7 15 8 16 9 17 665 7 15 120 696 9 17 704 703 7 15 120696 9 697 708 707 7 15 120 696 9 697 Human heavy 653 716 717 chains usedin 654 716 717 Ab1 humanization 655 74 82 718 Ab2 light chains 21 29 2331 24 32 25 33 667 669 23 31 24 32 25 33 Ab2 heavy chains 22 30 26 34 2735 28 36 668 670 26 34 27 35 28 36 Ab3 light chains 37 45 39 47 40 48 4149 671 673 39 47 40 48 41 49 Ab3 heavy chains 38 46 42 50 43 51 44 52672 674 42 50 43 51 44 52 Ab4 light chains 53 61 55 63 56 64 57 65 675677 55 63 56 64 57 65 Ab4 heavy chains 54 62 58 66 59 67 60 68 676 67858 66 59 67 60 68 Ab5 light chains 69 77 71 79 72 80 73 81 679 681 71 7972 80 73 81 Ab5 heavy chains 70 78 74 82 75 83 76 84 680 682 74 82 75 8376 84 Ab6 light chains 85 93 87 95 88 96 89 97 683 685 87 95 88 96 89 97Ab6 heavy chains 86 94 90 98 91 99 92 100 684 686 90 98 91 99 92 100 Ab7light chains 101 109 103 111 104 112 105 113 119 103 111 104 112 105 113687 689 103 111 104 112 105 113 693 103 111 104 112 105 113 Ab7 heavychains 102 110 106 114 107 115 108 116 117 106 114 107 115 108 116 118106 114 121 108 116 688 690 106 114 107 115 108 116 691 106 114 107 115108 116 692 106 114 121 108 116 Ab8 light chain 122 130 124 132 125 133126 134 Ab8 heavy chain 123 131 127 135 128 136 129 137 Ab9 light chain138 146 140 148 141 149 142 150 Ab9 heavy chain 139 147 143 151 144 152145 153 Ab10 light chain 154 162 156 164 157 165 158 166 Ab10 heavychain 155 163 159 167 160 168 161 169 Ab11 light chain 170 178 172 180173 181 174 182 Ab11 heavy chain 171 179 175 183 176 184 177 185 Ab12light chain 186 194 188 196 189 197 190 198 Ab12 heavy chain 187 195 191199 192 200 193 201 Ab13 light chain 202 210 204 212 205 213 206 214Ab13 heavy chain 203 211 207 215 208 216 209 217 Ab14 light chain 218226 220 228 221 229 222 230 Ab14 heavy chain 219 227 223 231 224 232 225233 Ab15 light chain 234 242 236 244 237 245 238 246 Ab15 heavy chain235 243 239 247 240 248 241 249 Ab16 light chain 250 258 252 260 253 261254 262 Ab16 heavy chain 251 259 255 263 256 264 257 265 Ab17 lightchain 266 274 268 276 269 277 270 278 Ab17 heavy chain 267 275 271 279272 280 273 281 Ab18 light chain 282 290 284 292 285 293 286 294 Ab18heavy chain 283 291 287 295 288 296 289 297 Ab19 light chain 298 306 300308 301 309 302 310 Ab19 heavy chain 299 307 303 311 304 312 305 313Ab20 light chain 314 322 316 324 317 325 318 326 Ab20 heavy chain 315323 319 327 320 328 321 329 Ab21 light chain 330 338 332 340 333 341 334342 Ab21 heavy chain 331 339 335 343 336 344 337 345 Ab22 light chain346 354 348 356 349 357 350 358 Ab22 heavy chain 347 355 351 359 352 360353 361 Ab23 light chain 362 370 364 372 365 373 366 374 Ab23 heavychain 363 371 367 375 368 376 369 377 Ab24 light chain 378 386 380 388381 389 382 390 Ab24 heavy chain 379 387 383 391 384 392 385 393 Ab25light chain 394 402 396 404 397 405 398 406 Ab25 heavy chain 395 403 399407 400 408 401 409 Ab26 light chain 410 418 412 420 413 421 414 422Ab26 heavy chain 411 419 415 423 416 424 417 425 Ab27 light chain 426434 428 436 429 437 430 438 Ab27 heavy chain 427 435 431 439 432 440 433441 Ab28 light chain 442 450 444 452 445 453 446 454 Ab28 heavy chain443 451 447 455 448 456 449 457 Ab29 light chain 458 466 460 468 461 469462 470 Ab29 heavy chain 459 467 463 471 464 472 465 473 Ab30 lightchain 474 482 476 484 477 485 478 486 Ab30 heavy chain 475 483 479 487480 488 481 489 Ab31 light chain 490 498 492 500 493 501 494 502 Ab31heavy chain 491 499 495 503 496 504 497 505 Ab32 light chain 506 514 508516 509 517 510 518 Ab32 heavy chain 507 515 511 519 512 520 513 521Ab33 light chain 522 530 524 532 525 533 526 534 Ab33 heavy chain 523531 527 535 528 536 529 537 Ab34 light chain 538 546 540 548 541 549 542550 Ab34 heavy chain 539 547 543 551 544 552 545 553 Ab35 light chain554 562 556 564 557 565 558 566 Ab35 heavy chain 555 563 559 567 560 568561 569 Ab36 light chain 570 578 572 580 573 581 574 582 Ab36 heavychain 571 579 575 583 576 584 577 585 * Exemplary sequence variant formsof heavy and light chains are shown on separate lines. PRT.: Polypeptidesequence. Nuc.: Exemplary coding sequence.

For reference, sequence identifiers other than those included in Table 1are summarized in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Summary of sequence identifiers in this application. SEQ IDDescription  1 Human IL-6 586 kappa constant light chain polypeptidesequence 587 kappa constant light chain polynucleotide sequence 588gamma-1 constant heavy chain polypeptide sequence 589 gamma-1 constantheavy chain polynucleotide sequence 590-646 Human IL-6 peptides (seeFIG. 12 and Example 14) 719 gamma-1 constant heavy chain polypeptidesequence (differs from SEQ ID NO: 518 at two positions) 726 C-reactiveprotein polypeptide sequence 727 IL-6 receptor alpha 728 IL-6 receptorbeta/gp130

Such antibody fragments or variants thereof may be present in one ormore of the following non-limiting forms: Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv andsingle chain Fv antibody forms. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-IL-6antibodies described herein further comprises the kappa constant lightchain sequence comprising the sequence set forth below:

(SEQ ID NO: 586)          VAAPSVFIFPPSDEQLKSGTASVVCLLNNFYPREAKVQWKVDNALQSGNSQESVTEQDSKDSTYSLSSTLTLSKADYEKHKVYACEVTHQG LSSPVTKSFNRGEC.

In another preferred embodiment, the anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein further comprises and the gamma-1 constant heavy chainpolypeptide sequence comprising one of the sequences set forth below:DNA

(SEQ ID NO: 588)         ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK and the following:(SEQ ID NO: 719)         ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYASTYRVVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRDELTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK.

Embodiments of antibodies described herein may include a leadersequence, such as a rabbit Ig leader, albumin pre-peptide, a yeastmating factor pre pro secretion leader sequence (such as P. pastoris orSaccharomyces cerevisiae a or alpha factor), or human HAS leader.Exemplary leader sequences are shown offset from FR1 at the N-terminusof polypeptides shown in FIGS. 36A and 37A as follows: rabbit Ig leadersequences in SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 660 (MD . . . ) and SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 661(ME . . . ); and an albumin prepeptide in SEQ ID NOs: 706 and 708, whichfacilitates secretion. Other leader sequences known in the art to conferdesired properties, such as secretion, improved stability or half-life,etc. may also be used, either alone or in combinations with one another,on the heavy and/or light chains, which may optionally be cleaved priorto administration to a subject. For example, a polypeptide may beexpressed in a cell or cell-free expression system that also expressesor includes (or is modified to express or include) a protease, e.g., amembrane-bound signal peptidase, that cleaves a leader sequence.

In another embodiment, the invention contemplates an isolated anti-IL-6antibody comprising a V_(H) polypeptide sequence selected from the groupconsisting of: SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 22, 38, 54, 70, 86, 102, 117, 118,123, 139, 155, 171, 187, 203, 219, 235, 251, 267, 283, 299, 315, 331,347, 363, 379, 395, 411, 427, 443, 459, 475, 491, 507, 523, 539, 555 andSEQ ID NO: 571; and further comprising a V_(L) polypeptide sequenceselected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 21, 37, 53, 69,85, 101, 119, 122, 138, 154, 170, 186, 202, 218, 234, 250, 266, 282,298, 314, 330, 346, 362, 378, 394, 410, 426, 442, 458, 474, 490, 506,522, 538, 554 and SEQ ID NO: 570 or a variant thereof wherein one ormore of the framework residues (FR residues) or CDR residues in saidV_(H), V_(L) polypeptide has been substituted with another amino acidresidue resulting in an anti-IL-6 antibody that specifically binds IL-6.The invention contemplates humanized and chimeric forms of theseantibodies. The chimeric antibodies may include an Fc derived from IgG1,IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgG5, IgG6, IgG7, IgG8, IgG9, IgG10, IgG11, IgG12,IgG13, IgG14, IgG15, IgG16, IgG17, IgG18 or IgG19 constant regions.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antibodies or V_(H) or V_(L)polypeptides originate or are selected from one or more rabbit B cellpopulations prior to initiation of the humanization process referencedherein.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies andfragments and variants thereof have binding specificity for primatehomologs of the human IL-6 protein. Non-limiting examples of primatehomologs of the human IL-6 protein are IL-6 obtained from Maccafascicularis (also known as the cynomolgus monkey) and the Rhesusmonkey. In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodiesand fragments and variants thereof inhibits the association of IL-6 withIL-6R, and/or the production of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 complexes and/or theproduction of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 multimers and/or antagonizes thebiological effects of one or more of the foregoing.

As stated above, antibodies and fragments and variants thereof may bemodified post-translationally to add effector moieties such as chemicallinkers, detectable moieties such as for example fluorescent dyes,enzymes, substrates, bioluminescent materials, radioactive materials,and chemiluminescent moieties, or functional moieties such as forexample streptavidin, avidin, biotin, a cytotoxin, a cytotoxic agent,and radioactive materials.

Regarding detectable moieties, further exemplary enzymes include, butare not limited to, horseradish peroxidase, acetylcholinesterase,alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase and luciferase. Furtherexemplary fluorescent materials include, but are not limited to,rhodamine, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, umbelliferone,dichlorotriazinylamine, phycoerythrin and dansyl chloride. Furtherexemplary chemiluminescent moieties include, but are not limited to,luminol. Further exemplary bioluminescent materials include, but are notlimited to, luciferin and aequorin. Further exemplary radioactivematerials include, but are not limited to, Iodine 125 (¹²⁵I), Carbon 14(¹⁴C) Sulfur 35 (³⁵S), Tritium (³H) and Phosphorus 32 (³²P).

Regarding functional moieties, exemplary cytotoxic agents include, butare not limited to, methotrexate, aminopterin, 6-mercaptopurine,6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine; alkylating agentssuch as mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan, carmustine(BSNU), mitomycin C, lomustine (CCNU), 1-methylnitrosourea,cyclothosphamide, mechlorethamine, busulfan, dibromomannitol,streptozotocin, mitomycin C, cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP)cisplatin and carboplatin (paraplatin); anthracyclines includedaunorubicin (formerly daunomycin), doxorubicin (adriamycin),detorubicin, carminomycin, idarubicin, epirubicin, mitoxantrone andbisantrene; antibiotics include dactinomycin (actinomycin D), bleomycin,calicheamicin, mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC); and antimytoticagents such as the vinca alkaloids, vincristine and vinblastine. Othercytotoxic agents include paclitaxel (taxol), ricin, pseudomonasexotoxin, gemcitabine, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide,emetine, etoposide, tenoposide, colchicin, dihydroxy anthracin dione,1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine,propranolol, puromycin, procarbazine, hydroxyurea, asparaginase,corticosteroids, mytotane (O,P′-(DDD)), interferons, and mixtures ofthese cytotoxic agents.

Further cytotoxic agents include, but are not limited to,chemotherapeutic agents such as carboplatin, cisplatin, paclitaxel,gemcitabine, calicheamicin, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, mitomycin C,actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, bleomycin, VEGFantagonists, EGFR antagonists, platins, taxols, irinotecan,5-fluorouracil, gemcytabine, leucovorine, steroids, cyclophosphamide,melphalan, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesineand vinorelbine), mustines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiotherapy,sex hormone antagonists, selective androgen receptor modulators,selective estrogen receptor modulators, PDGF antagonists, TNFantagonists, IL-1 antagonists, interleukins (e.g. IL-12 or IL-2), IL-12Rantagonists, Toxin conjugated monoclonal antibodies, tumor antigenspecific monoclonal antibodies, Erbitux, Avastin, Pertuzumab, anti-CD20antibodies, Rituxan, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, DXL625, herceptin, or anycombination thereof. Toxic enzymes from plants and bacteria such asricin, diphtheria toxin and Pseudomonas toxin may be conjugated to thehumanized antibodies, or binding fragments thereof, to generatecell-type-specific-killing reagents (Youle, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad.Sci. USA 77:5483 (1980); Gilliland, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA77:4539 (1980); Krolick, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 77:5419(1980)).

Other cytotoxic agents include cytotoxic ribonucleases as described byGoldenberg in U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,104. Embodiments of the invention alsorelate to radioimmunoconjugates where a radionuclide that emits alpha orbeta particles is stably coupled to the antibody, or binding fragmentsthereof, with or without the use of a complex-forming agent. Suchradionuclides include beta-emitters such as Phosphorus-32 (³²P),Scandium-47 (⁴⁷Sc), Copper-67 (⁶⁷Cu), Gallium-67 (⁶⁷Ga), Yttrium-88(⁸⁸Y), Yttrium-90 (⁹⁰Y), Iodine-125 (¹²⁵I), Iodine-131 (¹³¹I),Samarium-153 (¹⁵³Sm), Lutetium-177 (¹⁷⁷Lu), Rhenium-186 (¹⁸⁶Re) orRhenium-188 (¹⁸⁸Re), and alpha-emitters such as Astatine-211 (²¹¹At),Lead-212 (²¹²Pb), Bismuth-212 (²¹²Bi) or -213 (²¹³Bi) or Actinium-225(²⁵⁵Ac).

Methods are known in the art for conjugating an antibody or bindingfragment thereof to a detectable moiety and the like, such as forexample those methods described by Hunter et al, Nature 144:945 (1962);David et al, Biochemistry 13:1014 (1974); Pain et al, J. Immunol. Meth.40:219 (1981); and Nygren, J., Histochem. and Cytochem. 30:407 (1982).

Embodiments described herein further include variants and equivalentsthat are substantially homologous to the antibodies, antibody fragments,diabodies, SMIPs, camelbodies, nanobodies, IgNAR, polypeptides, variableregions and CDRs set forth herein. These may contain, e.g., conservativesubstitution mutations, (i.e., the substitution of one or more aminoacids by similar amino acids). For example, conservative substitutionrefers to the substitution of an amino acid with another within the samegeneral class, e.g., one acidic amino acid with another acidic aminoacid, one basic amino acid with another basic amino acid, or one neutralamino acid by another neutral amino acid. What is intended by aconservative amino acid substitution is well known in the art.

In another embodiment, the invention contemplates polypeptide sequenceshaving at least 900% or greater sequence homology to any one or more ofthe polypeptide sequences of antibody fragments, variable regions andCDRs set forth herein. More preferably, the invention contemplatespolypeptide sequences having at least 95% or greater sequence homology,even more preferably at least 98% or greater sequence homology, andstill more preferably at least 99% or greater sequence homology to anyone or more of the polypeptide sequences of antibody fragments, variableregions and CDRs set forth herein. Methods for determining homologybetween nucleic acid and amino acid sequences are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

In another embodiment, the invention further contemplates theabove-recited polypeptide homologs of the antibody fragments, variableregions and CDRs set forth herein further having anti-IL-6 activity.Non-limiting examples of anti-IL-6 activity are set forth herein, forexample, under the heading “Anti-IL-6 Activity,” infra.

In another embodiment, the invention further contemplates the generationand use of anti-idiotypic antibodies that bind any of the foregoingsequences. In an exemplary embodiment, such an anti-idiotypic antibodycould be administered to a subject who has received an anti-IL-6antibody to modulate, reduce, or neutralize, the effect of the anti-IL-6antibody. Such anti-idiotypic antibodies could also be useful fortreatment of an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence ofanti-IL-6 antibodies. A further exemplary use of such anti-idiotypicantibodies is for detection of the anti-IL-6 antibodies of the presentinvention, for example to monitor the levels of the anti-IL-6 antibodiespresent in a subject's blood or other bodily fluids.

The present invention also contemplates anti-IL-6 antibodies comprisingany of the polypeptide or polynucleotide sequences described hereinsubstituted for any of the other polynucleotide sequences describedherein. For example, without limitation thereto, the present inventioncontemplates antibodies comprising the combination of any of thevariable light chain and variable heavy chain sequences describedherein, and further contemplates antibodies resulting from substitutionof any of the CDR sequences described herein for any of the other CDRsequences described herein. As noted preferred anti-IL-6 antibodies orfragments or variants thereof may contain a variable heavy and/or lightsequence as shown in FIG. 34 or 35, such as SEQ ID NO: 651, 657, 709 orvariants thereof wherein one or more CDR or FR residues are modifiedwithout adversely affecting antibody binding to IL-6 or other desiredfunctional activity.

Polynucleotides Encoding Anti-IL-6 Antibody Polypeptides

The invention is further directed to polynucleotides encodingpolypeptides of the antibodies having binding specificity to IL-6. Inone embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides of the inventioncomprise, or alternatively consist of, the following polynucleotidesequence encoding the variable light chain polypeptide sequence of SEQID NO: 2:

(SEQ ID NO: 10)          ATGGACACGAGGGCCCCCACTCAGCTGCTGGGGCTCCTGCTGCTCTGGCTCCCAGGTGCCAGATGTGCCTATGATATGACCCAGACTCCAGCCTCGGTGTCTGCAGCTGTGGGAGGCACAGTCACCATCAAGTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAATTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGCAGCGTCCCAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCTCATCGCGGTTCAAAGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGAGTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCGACCTGGAGTGTGCCGATGCTGCCACTTACTACTGTCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAATATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCGAGGTGGTGGTCAAACGTACGGTAGCGGCCCCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTor the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:662, 698, 701, or 705.

In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides of the inventioncomprise, or alternatively consist of, the following polynucleotidesequence encoding the variable heavy chain polypeptide sequence of SEQID NO: 3:

ATGGAGACTGGGCTGCGCTGGCTTCTCCTGGTCGCTGTGCTCAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTCAGTCGCTGGAGGAGTCCGGGGGTCGCCTGGTCACGCCTGGGACACCCCTGACACTCACCTGCACAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAATGGATCGGAATCATTTATGGTAGTGATGAAACGGCCTACGCGACCTGGGCGATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAAAACCTCGACCACGGTGGATCTGAAAATGACCAGTCTGACAGCCGCGGACACGGCCACCTATTTCTGTGCCAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAATTTAACTTGTGGGGCCAAGGCACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCGAGCGCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCGGTCTTCCCCCTGGCACCCTCCTCCAAGAGCACCTCTGGGGGCACAGCGGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAG G (SEQ ID NO:11) or the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:663, 700, 703, or 707.

In a further embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides encodingfragments or variants of the antibody having binding specificity to IL-6comprise, or alternatively consist of, one or more of the polynucleotidesequences of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 694; SEQ ID NO: 13; and SEQ ID NO: 14 or695 which correspond to polynucleotides encoding thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) ofthe light chain variable sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.

In a further embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides encodingfragments or variants of the antibody having binding specificity to IL-6comprise, or alternatively consist of, one or more of the polynucleotidesequences of SEQ ID NO: 15; SEQ ID NO: 16 or 696; and SEQ ID NO: 17 or697 which correspond to polynucleotides encoding thecomplementarity-determining regions (CDRs, or hypervariable regions) ofthe heavy chain variable sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 or SEQ ID NO:661 or SEQID NO:657 or others depicted in FIG. 34 or 35.

The invention also contemplates polynucleotide sequences including oneor more of the polynucleotide sequences encoding antibody fragments orvariants described herein. In one embodiment of the invention,polynucleotides encoding fragments or variants of the antibody havingbinding specificity to IL-6 comprise, or alternatively consist of, one,two, three or more, including all of the following polynucleotidesencoding antibody fragments: the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 10 encodingthe light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 2; the polynucleotide SEQID NO: 11 encoding the heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 3;

the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 720 encoding the light chain polypeptideof SEQ ID NO: 20; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 721 encoding the lightchain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 647; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 662encoding the light chain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 660; thepolynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 722 encoding the light chain polypeptide ofSEQ ID NO: 666; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 698 encoding the lightchain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 699; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 701encoding the light chain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 702; thepolynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 705 encoding the light chain polypeptide ofSEQ ID NO: 706; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 723 encoding the lightchain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 709; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 724encoding the heavy chain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 19; thepolynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 725 encoding the heavy chain polypeptide ofSEQ ID NO: 652; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 700 encoding the heavychain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 657; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 663encoding the heavy chain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 661; thepolynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 703 encoding the heavy chain polypeptide ofSEQ ID NO: 704; the polynucleotide SEQ ID NO: 707 encoding the heavychain polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 708; the polynucleotides of SEQ ID NO:12, 13, 14, 694 and 695 encoding the complementarity-determining regionsof the aforementioned light chain polypeptides; and the polynucleotidesof SEQ ID NO: 15, 16, 17, 696 and 697 encoding thecomplementarity-determining regions of the aforementioned heavy chainpolypeptides.

Exemplary nucleotide sequences encoding anti-IL-6 antibodies of thepresent invention are identified in Table 1, above. The polynucleotidesequences shown are to be understood to be illustrative, rather thanlimiting. One of skill in the art can readily determine thepolynucleotide sequences that would encode a given polypeptide and canreadily generate coding sequences suitable for expression in a givenexpression system, such as by adapting the polynucleotide sequencesprovided and/or by generating them de novo, and can readily producecodon-optimized expression sequences, for example as described inpublished U.S. Patent Application no. 2008/0120732 or using othermethods known in the art.

In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides of the inventionfurther comprise, the following polynucleotide sequence encoding thekappa constant light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 586:

(SEQ ID NO: 587) GTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCCAGAGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCGGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACGCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGCTCGCCCGTCACAAAGAGCTTC AACAGGGGAGAGTGT.

In another embodiment of the invention, polynucleotides of the inventionfurther comprise, the following polynucleotide sequence encoding thegamma-1 constant heavy chain polypeptide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 588:

(SEQ ID NO: 589) GCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCGGTCTTCCCCCTGGCACCCTCCTCCAAGAGCACCTCTGGGGGCACAGCGGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCCGAACCGGTGACGGTGTCGTGGAACTCAGGCGCCCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCGGCTGTCCTACAGTCCTCAGGACTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCCTCCAGCAGCTTGGGCACCCAGACCTACATCTGCAACGTGAATCACAAGCCCAGCAACACCAAGGTGGACAAGAGAGTTGAGCCCAAATCTTGTGACAAAACTCACACATGCCCACCGTGCCCAGCACCTGAACTCCTGGGGGGACCGTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAAAACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGATCTCCCGGACCCCTGAGGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGGACGTGAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGCAGTACGCCAGCACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCCCAGCCCCCATCGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAGCCCCGAGAACCACAGGTGTACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGGGAGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAGGTCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGCTTCTATCCCAGCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTACAAGACCACGCCTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTACAGCAAGCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCATGAGGCTCTGCACAACCACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCGGGTAAA.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolatedpolynucleotide comprising a polynucleotide encoding an anti-IL-6 V_(H)antibody amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652,656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, and 708 or encoding a variant thereofwherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) has been substitutedwith an amino acid present at the corresponding position in a rabbitanti-IL-6 antibody V_(H) polypeptide or a conservative amino acidsubstitution. In addition, the invention specifically encompasseshumanized anti-Il-6 antibodies or humanized antibody binding fragmentsor variants thereof and nucleic acid sequences encoding the foregoingcomprising the humanized variable heavy chain and/or light chainpolypeptides depicted in the sequences contained in FIG. 2 or 34-35, and36A and 36B, and 37A and 37B, or those identified in Table 1, orvariants thereof wherein one or more framework or CDR residues may bemodified. Preferably, if any modifications are introduced they will notaffect adversely the binding affinity of the resulting anti-IL-6antibody or fragment or variant thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolatedpolynucleotide comprising the polynucleotide sequence encoding ananti-IL-6 V_(L) antibody amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 2,20, 647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, and 709 or encoding a variantthereof wherein at least one framework residue (FR residue) has beensubstituted with an amino acid present at the corresponding position ina rabbit anti-IL-6 antibody V_(L) polypeptide or a conservative aminoacid substitution.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed to one or moreheterologous polynucleotides comprising a sequence encoding thepolypeptides contained in SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:3; SEQ ID NO:2 andSEQ ID NO:18; SEQ ID NO:2 and SEQ ID NO:19; SEQ ID NO:20 and SEQ IDNO:3; SEQ ID NO:20 and SEQ ID NO:18; or SEQ ID NO:20 and SEQ ID NO:19.

In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolatedpolynucleotide that expresses a polypeptide containing at least one CDRpolypeptide derived from an anti-IL-6 antibody wherein said expressedpolypeptide alone specifically binds IL-6 or specifically binds IL-6when expressed in association with another polynucleotide sequence thatexpresses a polypeptide containing at least one CDR polypeptide derivedfrom an anti-IL-6 antibody wherein said at least one CDR is selectedfrom those contained in the V_(L) or V_(H) polypeptides contained in SEQID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652, 656, 657, 658, 661, 664, 665, 704, 708, 2, 20,647, 651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, or 709.

Host cells and vectors comprising said polynucleotides are alsocontemplated.

In another specific embodiment the invention covers nucleic acidconstructs containing any of the foregoing nucleic acid sequences andcombinations thereof as well as recombinant cells containing thesenucleic acid sequences and constructs containing wherein these nucleicacid sequences or constructs may be extrachromosomal or integrated intothe host cell genome.

The invention further contemplates vectors comprising the polynucleotidesequences encoding the variable heavy and light chain polypeptidesequences, as well as the individual complementarity determining regions(CDRs, or hypervariable regions) set forth herein, as well as host cellscomprising said sequences. In one embodiment of the invention, the hostcell is a yeast cell. In another embodiment of the invention, the yeasthost cell belongs to the genus Pichia.

In some instances, more than one exemplary polynucleotide encoding agiven polypeptide sequence is provided, as summarized in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Multiple exemplary polynucleotides encoding particularpolypeptides. Polypeptide SEQ ID Exemplary coding SEQ ID NO NOs 4 12,111, 694 5 13, 112, 389, 501 6 14, 113, 695 9 17, 116, 697 39 47, 260 4048, 261 60 68, 265 72 80, 325, 565, 581 89 97, 134, 166 103 12, 111, 694104 13, 112, 389, 501 105 14, 113, 695 108 17, 116, 697 126 97, 134, 166158 97, 134, 166 190 198, 214 191 199, 215 205 213, 469, 485 206 198,214 207 199, 215 252 47, 260 253 48, 261 257 68, 265 317 80, 325, 565,581 333 341, 533 381 13, 112, 389, 501 415 423, 439 431 423, 439 461213, 469, 485 475 483, 499 476 484, 500 477 213, 469, 485 478 486, 502479 487, 503 480 488, 504 481 489, 505 491 483, 499 492 484, 500 493 13,112, 389, 501 494 486, 502 495 487, 503 496 488, 504 497 489, 505 525341, 533 545 553, 585 554 562, 578 556 564, 580 557 80, 325, 565, 581558 566, 582 570 562, 578 572 564, 580 573 80, 325, 565, 581 574 566,582 577 553, 585

In some instances, multiple sequence identifiers refer to the samepolypeptide or polynucleotide sequence, as summarized in Table 4.References to these sequence identifiers are understood to beinterchangeable, except where context indicates otherwise.

TABLE 4 Repeated sequences. Each cell lists a group of repeatedsequences included in the sequence listing. SEQ ID NOs of repeatedsequences  4, 103  5, 104, 381, 493  6, 105  9, 108  12, 111  13, 112 14, 113  17, 116  39, 252  40, 253  48, 261  60, 257  68, 265  72, 317,557, 573  80, 325, 565, 581  89, 126, 158  97, 134, 166 120, 659 190,206 191, 207 198, 214 199, 215 205, 461, 477 213, 469 333, 525 415, 431423, 439 475, 491 476, 492 478, 494 479, 495 480, 496 481, 497 483, 499484, 500 486, 502 487, 503 488, 504 489, 505 545, 577 554, 570 556, 572558, 574 562, 578 564, 580 566, 582

Certain exemplary embodiments include polynucleotides that hybridizeunder moderately or highly stringent hybridization conditions to apolynucleotide having one of the exemplary coding sequences recited inTable 1, and also include polynucleotides that hybridize undermoderately or highly stringent hybridization conditions to apolynucleotide encoding the same polypeptide as a polynucleotide havingone of the exemplary coding sequences recited in Table 1, or polypeptideencoded by any of the foregoing polynucleotides.

The phrase “high stringency hybridization conditions” refers toconditions under which a probe will hybridize to its target subsequence,typically in a complex mixture of nucleic acid, but to no othersequences. High stringency conditions are sequence dependent and will bedifferent in different circumstances. Longer sequences hybridizespecifically at higher temperatures. An extensive guide to thehybridization of nucleic acids is found in Tijssen, Techniques inBiochemistry and Molecular Biology-Hybridization with Nucleic Probes,“Overview of principles of hybridization and the strategy of nucleicacid assays” (1993). Generally, high stringency conditions are selectedto be about 5-10° C. lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for thespecific sequence at a defined ionic strength pH. The Tm is thetemperature (under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleicconcentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the targethybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequencesare present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied atequilibrium). High stringency conditions will be those in which the saltconcentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, typically about 0.01to 1.0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 andthe temperature is at least about 30° C. for short probes (e.g., 10 to50 nucleotides) and at least about 60° C. for long probes (e.g., greaterthan 50 nucleotides). High stringency conditions may also be achievedwith the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. Forselective or specific hybridization, a positive signal is at least twotimes background, optionally 10 times background hybridization.Exemplary high stringency hybridization conditions can be as following:50% formamide, 5×SSC, and 1% SDS, incubating at 42° C., or, 5×SSC, 1%SDS, incubating at 65° C., with wash in 0.2×SSC, and 0.1% SDS at 65° C.Such hybridizations and wash steps can be carried out for, e.g., 1, 2,5, 10, 15, 30, 60; or more minutes.

Nucleic acids that do not hybridize to each other under high stringencyconditions are still substantially related if the polypeptides that theyencode are substantially related. This occurs, for example, when a copyof a nucleic acid is created using the maximum codon degeneracypermitted by the genetic code. In such cases, the nucleic acidstypically hybridize under moderate stringency hybridization conditions.Exemplary “moderate stringency hybridization conditions” include ahybridization in a buffer of 40% formamide, 1 M NaCl, 1% SDS at 37° C.,and a wash in 1×SSC at 45° C. Such hybridizations and wash steps can becarried out for, e.g., 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, or more minutes. Apositive hybridization is at least twice background. Those of ordinaryskill will readily recognize that alternative hybridization and washconditions can be utilized to provide conditions of similar stringency.

Additional Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention

In another embodiment, the invention contemplates one or more anti-IL-6antibodies or antibody fragments or variants thereof which mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) and/orcompete for binding to the same linear or conformational epitope(s) onan intact human IL-6 polypeptide or fragment thereof as an anti-IL-6antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 and fragments andvariants thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-IL-6 antibody orfragment or variant thereof may specifically bind to the same linear orconformational epitope(s) and/or compete for binding to the same linearor conformational epitope(s) on an intact human IL-6 polypeptide or afragment thereof as Ab1.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody which mayspecifically bind to the same linear or conformational epitopes on anintact IL-6 polypeptide or fragment thereof that is (are) specificallybound by Ab1 may bind to an IL-6 epitope(s) ascertained by epitopicmapping using overlapping linear peptide fragments which span the fulllength of the native human IL-6 polypeptide. In one embodiment of theinvention, the IL-6 epitope comprises, or alternatively consists of, oneor more residues comprised in IL-6 fragments selected from thoserespectively encompassing amino acid residues 37-51, amino acid residues70-84, amino acid residues 169-183, amino acid residues 31-45 and/oramino acid residues 58-72.

The invention is also directed to an anti-IL-6 antibody that binds withthe same IL-6 epitope and/or competes with an anti-IL-6 antibody forbinding to IL-6 as an antibody or antibody fragment disclosed herein,including but not limited to an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from Ab1 andfragments and variants thereof.

In another embodiment, the invention is also directed to an isolatedanti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragment or variant thereof comprisingone or more of the CDRs contained in the V_(H) polypeptide sequencesselected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 22, 38, 54,70, 86, 102, 117, 118, 123, 139, 155, 171, 187, 203, 219, 235, 251, 267,283, 299, 315, 331, 347, 363, 379, 395, 411, 427, 443, 459, 475, 491,507, 523, 539, 555 and SEQ ID NO: 571 and/or one or more of the CDRscontained in the V_(L) polypeptide sequence consisting of: 2, 20, 21,37, 53, 69, 85, 101, 119, 122, 138, 154, 170, 186, 202, 218, 234, 250,266, 282, 298, 314, 330, 346, 362, 378, 394, 410, 426, 442, 458, 474,490, 506, 522, 538, 554 and SEQ ID NO: 570.

In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody discussed inthe two prior paragraphs comprises at least 2 complementaritydetermining regions (CDRs) in each the variable light and the variableheavy regions which are identical to those contained in an anti-IL-6antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 and fragments andvariants thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the anti-IL-6 antibody discussed abovecomprises at least 2 complementarity determining regions (CDRs) in eachthe variable light and the variable heavy regions which are identical tothose contained in Ab1. In another embodiment, all of the CDRs of theanti-IL-6 antibody discussed above are identical to the CDRs containedin an anti-IL-6 antibody selected from the group consisting of Ab1 andfragments and variants thereof. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, all of the CDRs of the anti-IL-6 antibody discussed above areidentical to the CDRs contained in Ab1.

The invention further contemplates that the one or more anti-IL-6antibodies discussed above are aglycosylated; that contain an Fc regionthat has been modified to alter effector function, half-life,proteolysis, and/or glycosylation; are human, humanized, single chain orchimeric; and are a humanized antibody derived from a rabbit (parent)anti-IL-6 antibody.

The invention further contemplates one or more anti-IL-6 antibodieswherein the framework regions (FRs) in the variable light region and thevariable heavy regions of said antibody respectively are human FRs whichare unmodified or which have been modified by the substitution of atmost 2 or 3 human FR residues in the variable light or heavy chainregion with the corresponding FR residues of the parent rabbit antibody,and wherein said human FRs have been derived from human variable heavyand light chain antibody sequences which have been selected from alibrary of human germline antibody sequences based on their high levelof homology to the corresponding rabbit variable heavy or light chainregions relative to other human germline antibody sequences contained inthe library.

In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibody or fragmentor variant thereof may specifically bind to IL-6 expressing human cellsand/or to circulating soluble IL-6 molecules in vivo, including IL-6expressed on or by human cells in a patient with a disease associatedwith cells that express IL-6.

In another embodiment, the disease is selected from general fatigue,exercise-induced fatigue, cancer-related fatigue, inflammatorydisease-related fatigue, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia,cancer-related cachexia, cardiac-related cachexia, respiratory-relatedcachexia, renal-related cachexia, age-related cachexia, rheumatoidarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), systemic juvenileidiopathic arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthropathy, ankylosingspondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polymyalgia rheumatica,giant cell arteritis, autoimmune vasculitis, graft versus host disease(GVHD), Sjogren's syndrome, adult onset Still's disease, rheumatoidarthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, osteoarthritis,osteoporosis, Paget's disease of bone, osteoarthritis, multiple myeloma,Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, prostate cancer, leukemia,renal cell cancer, multicentric Castleman's disease, ovarian cancer,drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy, cancer chemotherapy toxicity,ischemic heart disease, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, asthma,multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease, fever,acute phase response, allergies, anemia, anemia of inflammation (anemiaof chronic disease), hypertension, depression, depression associatedwith a chronic illness, thrombosis, thrombocytosis, acute heart failure,metabolic syndrome, miscarriage, obesity, chronic prostatitis,glomerulonephritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, reperfusion injury,transplant rejection, graft versus host disease (GVHD), avian influenza,smallpox, pandemic influenza, adult respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), sepsis, and systemicinflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). In a preferred embodiment, thedisease is selected from a cancer, inflammatory disorder, viraldisorder, or autoimmune disorder. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the disease is arthritis, cachexia, and wasting syndrome

The invention further contemplates anti-IL-6 antibodies or fragments orvariants thereof directly or indirectly attached to a detectable labelor therapeutic agent.

The invention also contemplates one or more nucleic acid sequences whichresult in the expression of an anti-IL-6 antibody or antibody fragmentor variant thereof as set forth above, including those comprising, oralternatively consisting of, yeast or human preferred codons. Theinvention also contemplates vectors (including plasmids or recombinantviral vectors) comprising said nucleic acid sequence(s). The inventionalso contemplates host cells or recombinant host cells expressing atleast one of the antibodies set forth above, including a mammalian,yeast, bacterial, and insect cells. In a preferred embodiment, the hostcell is a yeast cell. In a further preferred embodiment, the yeast cellis a diploidal yeast cell. In a more preferred embodiment, the yeastcell is a Pichia yeast.

The invention also contemplates a method of treatment comprisingadministering to a patient with a disease or condition associated withIL-6 expressing cells a therapeutically effective amount of at least oneanti-IL-6 antibody or fragment or variant thereof. The diseases that maybe treated are presented in the non-limiting list set forth above. In apreferred embodiment, the disease is selected from a cancer, autoimmunedisease, or inflammatory condition. In a particularly preferredembodiment, the disease is cancer or viral infection. In anotherembodiment the treatment further includes the administration of anothertherapeutic agent or regimen selected from chemotherapy, radiotherapy,cytokine administration or gene therapy.

The invention further contemplates a method of in vivo imaging whichdetects the presence of cells which express IL-6 comprisingadministering a diagnostically effective amount of at least oneanti-IL-6 antibody. In one embodiment, said administration furtherincludes the administration of a radionuclide or fluorophore thatfacilitates detection of the antibody at IL-6 expressing disease sites.In another embodiment of the invention, the method of in vivo imaging isused to detect IL-6 expressing tumors or metastases or is used to detectthe presence of sites of autoimmune disorders associated with IL-6expressing cells. In a further embodiment, the results of said in vivoimaging method are used to facilitate design of an appropriatetherapeutic regimen, including therapeutic regimens includingradiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination thereof.

Anti-IL-6 Activity

As stated previously, IL-6 is a member of a family of cytokines thatpromote cellular responses through a receptor complex consisting of atleast one subunit of the signal-transducing glycoprotein gp130 and theIL-6 receptor (IL-6R). The IL-6R may also be present in a soluble form(sIL-6R). IL-6 binds to IL-6R, which then dimerizes thesignal-transducing receptor gp130.

It is believed that the anti-IL-6 antibodies of the invention, or IL-6binding fragments or variants thereof, are useful by exhibitinganti-IL-6 activity. In one non-limiting embodiment of the invention, theanti-IL-6 antibodies of the invention, or IL-6 binding fragments orvariants thereof, exhibit anti-IL-6 activity by binding to IL-6 whichmay be soluble IL-6 or cell surface expressed IL-6 and/or may prevent orinhibit the binding of IL-6 to IL-6R and/or activation (dimerization) ofthe gp130 signal-transducing glycoprotein and the formation ofIL-6/IL-6R/gp130 multimers and the biological effects of any of theforegoing. The subject anti-IL-6 antibodies may possess differentantagonistic activities based on where (i.e., epitope) the particularantibody binds IL-6 and/or how it affects the formation of the foregoingTL-6 complexes and/or multimers and the biological effects thereof.Consequently, different anti-IL-6 antibodies according to the inventione.g., may be better suited for preventing or treating conditionsinvolving the formation and accumulation of substantial soluble IL-6such as rheumatoid arthritis whereas other antibodies may be favored intreatments wherein the prevention of IL-6/IL-6R/gp130 or IL-6IL-6R/gp130multimers is a desired therapeutic outcome. This can be determined inbinding and other assays.

The anti-IL-6 activity of the anti-IL-6 antibody of the presentinvention, and fragments and variants thereof having binding specificityto IL-6, may also be described by their strength of binding or theiraffinity for IL-6. This also may affect their therapeutic properties. Inone embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies of the presentinvention, and fragments thereof having binding specificity to IL-6,bind to IL-6 with a dissociation constant (K_(D)) of less than or equalto 5×10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁷, 5×10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁸, 5×10⁻⁹, 10⁻⁹, 5×10⁻¹, 10⁻¹⁰, 5×10⁻¹¹,10¹¹, 5×10⁻¹², 10⁻¹², 5×10⁻¹³, 10⁻¹³, 5×10⁻¹⁴, 10⁻¹⁴, 5×10⁻¹⁵ or 10⁻¹⁵.Preferably, the anti-IL-6 antibodies and fragments and variants thereofbind IL-6 with a dissociation constant of less than or equal to 5×10⁻¹⁰.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 activity of theanti-IL-6 antibodies of the present invention, and fragments andvariants thereof having binding specificity to IL-6, bind to IL-6 withan off-rate of less than or equal to 10⁻⁴ S⁻¹, 5×10⁻⁵ S⁻¹, 10⁻⁵ S⁻¹,5×10⁻⁶ S⁻¹, 10⁻⁶ S⁻¹, 5×10⁻⁷ S⁻⁷, or 10⁻⁷ S⁻¹. In one embodiment of theinvention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies of the invention, and fragments andvariants thereof having binding specificity to IL-6, bind to a linear orconformational IL-6 epitope.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 activity of theanti-IL-6 antibodies of the present invention, and fragments andvariants thereof having binding specificity to IL-6, exhibit anti-IL-6activity by ameliorating or reducing the symptoms of, or alternativelytreating, or preventing, diseases and disorders associated with IL-6.Non-limiting examples of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6 areset forth infra. As noted cancer-related fatigue, cachexia andrheumatoid arthritis are preferred indications for the subject anti-IL-6antibodies.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodiesdescribed herein, or IL-6 binding fragments and variants thereof, do nothave binding specificity for IL-6R or the gp-130 signal-transducingglycoprotein.

B-Cell Screening and Isolation

In one embodiment, the present invention provides methods of isolating aclonal population of antigen-specific B cells that may be used forisolating at least one antigen-specific cell. As described andexemplified infra, these methods contain a series of culture andselection steps that can be used separately, in combination,sequentially, repetitively, or periodically. Preferably, these methodsare used for isolating at least one antigen-specific cell, which can beused to produce a monoclonal antibody, which is specific to a desiredantigen, or a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to such an antibody.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method comprisingthe steps of:

a. preparing a cell population comprising at least one antigen-specificB cell;

b. enriching the cell population, e.g., by chromatography, to form anenriched cell population comprising at least one antigen-specific Bcell;

c. isolating a single B cell from the enriched B cell population; and

d. determining whether the single B cell produces an antibody specificto the antigen.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an improvement toa method of isolating a single, antibody-producing B cell, theimprovement comprising enriching a B cell population obtained from ahost that has been immunized or naturally exposed to an antigen, whereinthe enriching step precedes any selection steps, comprises at least oneculturing step, and results in a clonal population of B cells thatproduces a single monoclonal antibody specific to said antigen.

Throughout this application, a “clonal population of B cells” refers toa population of B cells that only secrete a single antibody specific toa desired antigen. That is to say that these cells produce only one typeof monoclonal antibody specific to the desired antigen.

In the present application, “enriching” a cell population cells meansincreasing the frequency of desired cells, typically antigen-specificcells, contained in a mixed cell population, e.g., a B cell-containingisolate derived from a host that is immunized against a desired antigen.Thus, an enriched cell population encompasses a cell population having ahigher frequency of antigen-specific cells as a result of an enrichmentstep, but this population of cells may contain and produce differentantibodies.

The general term “cell population” encompasses pre- and apost-enrichment cell populations, keeping in mind that when multipleenrichment steps are performed, a cell population can be both pre- andpost-enrichment. For example, in one embodiment, the present inventionprovides a method:

a. harvesting a cell population from an immunized host to obtain aharvested cell population;

b. creating at least one single cell suspension from the harvested cellpopulation;

c. enriching at least one single cell suspension to form a firstenriched cell population;

d. enriching the first enriched cell population to form a secondenriched cell population;

e. enriching the second enriched cell population to form a thirdenriched cell population; and

f. selecting an antibody produced by an antigen-specific cell of thethird enriched cell population.

Each cell population may be used directly in the next step, or it can bepartially or wholly frozen for long- or short-term storage or for latersteps. Also, cells from a cell population can be individually suspendedto yield single cell suspensions. The single cell suspension can beenriched, such that a single cell suspension serves as thepre-enrichment cell population. Then, one or more antigen-specificsingle cell suspensions together form the enriched cell population; theantigen-specific single cell suspensions can be grouped together, e.g.,re-plated for further analysis and/or antibody production.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of enrichinga cell population to yield an enriched cell population having anantigen-specific cell frequency that is about 50% to about 100%, orincrements therein. Preferably, the enriched cell population has anantigen-specific cell frequency greater than or equal to about 50%, 60%,70%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100%.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofenriching a cell population whereby the frequency of antigen-specificcells is increased by at least about 2-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold,50-fold, 100-fold, or increments therein.

Throughout this application, the term “increment” is used to define anumerical value in varying degrees of precision, e.g., to the nearest10, 1, 0.1, 0.01, etc. The increment can be rounded to any measurabledegree of precision, and the increment need not be rounded to the samedegree of precision on both sides of a range. For example, the range 1to 100 or increments therein includes ranges such as 20 to 80, 5 to 50,and 0.4 to 98. When a range is open-ended, e.g., a range of less than100, increments therein means increments between 100 and the measurablelimit. For example, less than 100 or increments therein means 0 to 100or increments therein unless the feature, e.g., temperature, is notlimited by 0.

Antigen-specificity can be measured with respect to any antigen. Theantigen can be any substance to which an antibody can bind including,but not limited to, peptides, proteins or fragments thereofcarbohydrates; organic and inorganic molecules; receptors produced byanimal cells, bacterial cells, and viruses; enzymes; agonists andantagonists of biological pathways; hormones; and cytokines. Exemplaryantigens include, but are not limited to, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10,IL-12, IL-13, IL-18, IFN-α, IFN-γ, BAFF, CXCL13, IP-10, VEGF, EPO, EGF,HRG, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and Hepcidin. Preferred antigensinclude IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, VEGF-α, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) andHepcidin. In a method utilizing more than one enrichment step, theantigen used in each enrichment step can be the same as or differentfrom one another. Multiple enrichment steps with the same antigen mayyield a large and/or diverse population of antigen-specific cells;multiple enrichment steps with different antigens may yield an enrichedcell population with cross-specificity to the different antigens.

Enriching a cell population can be performed by any cell-selection meansknown in the art for isolating antigen-specific cells. For example, acell population can be enriched by chromatographic techniques, e.g.,Miltenyi bead or magnetic bead technology. The beads can be directly orindirectly attached to the antigen of interest. In a preferredembodiment, the method of enriching a cell population includes at leastone chromatographic enrichment step.

A cell population can also be enriched by performed by anyantigen-specificity assay technique known in the art, e.g., an ELISAassay or a halo assay. ELISA assays include, but are not limited to,selective antigen immobilization (e.g., biotinylated antigen capture bystreptavidin, avidin, or neutravidin coated plate), non-specific antigenplate coating, and through an antigen build-up strategy (e.g., selectiveantigen capture followed by binding partner addition to generate aheteromeric protein-antigen complex). The antigen can be directly orindirectly attached to a solid matrix or support, e.g., a column. A haloassay comprises contacting the cells with antigen-loaded beads andlabeled anti-host antibody specific to the host used to harvest the Bcells. The label can be, e.g., a fluorophore. In one embodiment, atleast one assay enrichment step is performed on at least one single cellsuspension. In another embodiment, the method of enriching a cellpopulation includes at least one chromatographic enrichment step and atleast one assay enrichment step.

Methods of “enriching” a cell population by size or density are known inthe art. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,627,052. These steps can be used inthe present method in addition to enriching the cell population byantigen-specificity.

The cell populations of the present invention contain at least one cellcapable of recognizing an antigen. Antigen-recognizing cells include,but are not limited to, B cells, plasma cells, and progeny thereof. Inone embodiment, the present invention provides a clonal cell populationcontaining a single type of antigen-specific B-cell, i.e., the cellpopulation produces a single monoclonal antibody specific to a desiredantigen.

In such embodiment, it is believed that the clonal antigen-specificpopulation of B cells consists predominantly of antigen-specific,antibody-secreting cells, which are obtained by the novel culture andselection protocol provided herein. Accordingly, the present inventionalso provides methods for obtaining an enriched cell populationcontaining at least one antigen-specific, antibody-secreting cell. Inone embodiment, the present invention provides an enriched cellpopulation containing about 50% to about 100%, or increments therein, orgreater than or equal to about 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% ofantigen-specific, antibody-secreting cells.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of isolatinga single B cell by enriching a cell population obtained from a hostbefore any selection steps, e.g., selecting a particular B cell from acell population and/or selecting an antibody produced by a particularcell. The enrichment step can be performed as one, two, three, or moresteps. In one embodiment, a single B cell is isolated from an enrichedcell population before confirming whether the single B cell secretes anantibody with antigen-specificity and/or a desired property.

In one embodiment, a method of enriching a cell population is used in amethod for antibody production and/or selection. Thus, the presentinvention provides a method comprising enriching a cell populationbefore selecting an antibody. The method can include the steps of:preparing a cell population comprising at least one antigen-specificcell, enriching the cell population by isolating at least oneantigen-specific cell to form an enriched cell population, and inducingantibody production from at least one antigen-specific cell. In apreferred embodiment, the enriched cell population contains more thanone antigen-specific cell. In one embodiment, each antigen-specific cellof the enriched population is cultured under conditions that yield aclonal antigen-specific B cell population before isolating an antibodyproducing cell therefrom and/or producing an antibody using said B cell,or a nucleic acid sequence corresponding to such an antibody. Incontrast to prior techniques where antibodies are produced from a cellpopulation with a low frequency of antigen-specific cells, the presentinvention allows antibody selection from among a high frequency ofantigen-specific cells. Because an enrichment step is used prior toantibody selection, the majority of the cells, preferably virtually allof the cells, used for antibody production are antigen-specific. Byproducing antibodies from a population of cells with an increasedfrequency of antigen specificity, the quantity and variety of antibodiesare increased.

In the antibody selection methods of the present invention, an antibodyis preferably selected after an enrichment step and a culture step thatresults in a clonal population of antigen-specific B cells. The methodscan further comprise a step of sequencing a selected antibody orportions thereof from one or more isolated, antigen-specific cells. Anymethod known in the art for sequencing can be employed and can includesequencing the heavy chain, light chain, variable region(s), and/orcomplementarity determining region(s) (CDR).

In addition to the enrichment step, the method for antibody selectioncan also include one or more steps of screening a cell population forantigen recognition and/or antibody functionality. For example, thedesired antibodies may have specific structural features, such asbinding to a particular epitope or mimicry of a particular structure;antagonist or agonist activity; or neutralizing activity, e.g.,inhibiting binding between the antigen and a ligand. In one embodiment,the antibody functionality screen is ligand-dependent. Screening forantibody functionality includes, but is not limited to, an in vitroprotein-protein interaction assay that recreates the natural interactionof the antigen ligand with recombinant receptor protein; and acell-based response that is ligand dependent and easily monitored (e.g.,proliferation response). In one embodiment, the method for antibodyselection includes a step of screening the cell population for antibodyfunctionality by measuring the inhibitory concentration (IC50). In oneembodiment, at least one of the isolated, antigen-specific cellsproduces an antibody having an IC50 of less than about 100, 50, 30, 25,10 μg/mL, or increments therein.

In addition to the enrichment step, the method for antibody selectioncan also include one or more steps of screening a cell population forantibody binding strength. Antibody binding strength can be measured byany method known in the art (e.g., Biacore). In one embodiment, at leastone of the isolated, antigen-specific cells produces an antibody havinga high antigen affinity, e.g., a dissociation constant (Kd) of less thanabout 5×10⁻¹⁰ M-1, preferably about 1×10⁻¹³ to 5×10⁻¹⁰, 1×10⁻¹² to1×10⁻¹⁰, 1×10⁻¹² to 7.5×10⁻¹¹, 1×10⁻¹¹ to 2×10⁻¹¹, about 1.5×10⁻¹¹ orless, or increments therein. In this embodiment, the antibodies are saidto be affinity mature. In a preferred embodiment, the affinity of theantibodies is comparable to or higher than the affinity of any one ofPanorex® (edrecolomab), Rituxan® (rituximab), Herceptin® (traztuzumab),Mylotarg® (gentuzumab), Campath® (alemtuzumab), Zevalinm (ibritumomab),Erbitux™ (cetuximab), Avastin™ (bevicizumab), Raptiva™ (efalizumab),Remicade® (infliximab), Humira™ (adalimumab), and Xolair™ (omalizumab).Preferably, the affinity of the antibodies is comparable to or higherthan the affinity of Humira™. The affinity of an antibody can also beincreased by known affinity maturation techniques. In one embodiment, atleast one cell population is screened for at least one of, preferablyboth, antibody functionality and antibody binding strength.

In addition to the enrichment step, the method for antibody selectioncan also include one or more steps of screening a cell population forantibody sequence homology, especially human homology. In oneembodiment, at least one of the isolated, antigen-specific cellsproduces an antibody that has a homology to a human antibody of about50% to about 100%, or increments therein, or greater than about 60%,70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% homologous. The antibodies can be humanizedto increase the homology to a human sequence by techniques known in theart such as CDR grafting or selectivity determining residue grafting(SDR).

In another embodiment, the present invention also provides theantibodies themselves according to any of the embodiments describedabove in terms of IC50, Kd, and/or homology.

The B cell selection protocol disclosed herein has a number of intrinsicadvantages versus other methods for obtaining antibody-secreting B cellsand monoclonal antibodies specific to desired target antigens. Theseadvantages include, but are not restricted to, the following:

First, it has been found that when these selection procedures areutilized with a desired antigen such as IL-6 or TNF-α, the methodsreproducibly result in antigen-specific B cells capable of generatingwhat appears to be a substantially comprehensive complement ofantibodies, i.e., antibodies that bind to the various different epitopesof the antigen. Without being bound by theory, it is hypothesized thatthe comprehensive complement is attributable to the antigen enrichmentstep that is performed prior to initial B cell recovery. Moreover, thisadvantage allows for the isolation and selection of antibodies withdifferent properties as these properties may vary depending on theepitopic specificity of the particular antibody.

Second, it has been found that the B cell selection protocolreproducibly yields a clonal B cell culture containing a single B cell,or its progeny, secreting a single monoclonal antibody that generallybinds to the desired antigen with a relatively high binding affinity,i.e. picomolar or better antigen binding affinities. By contrast, priorantibody selection methods tend to yield relatively few high affinityantibodies and therefore require extensive screening procedures toisolate an antibody with therapeutic potential. Without being bound bytheory, it is hypothesized that the protocol results in both in vivo Bcell immunization of the host (primary immunization) followed by asecond in vitro B cell stimulation (secondary antigen priming step) thatmay enhance the ability and propensity of the recovered clonal B cellsto secrete a single high affinity monoclonal antibody specific to theantigen target.

Third, it has been observed (as shown herein with IL-6 specific B cells)that the B cell selection protocol reproducibly yields enriched B cellsproducing IgG's that are, on average, highly selective (antigenspecific) to the desired target. Antigen-enriched B cells recovered bythese methods are believed to contain B cells capable of yielding thedesired full complement of epitopic specificities as discussed above.

Fourth, it has been observed that the B cell selection protocols, evenwhen used with small antigens, i.e., peptides of 100 amino acids orless, e.g., 5-50 amino acids long, reproducibly give rise to a clonal Bcell culture that secretes a single high affinity antibody to the smallantigen, e.g., a peptide. This is highly surprising as it is generallyquite difficult, labor intensive, and sometimes not even feasible toproduce high affinity antibodies to small peptides. Accordingly, theinvention can be used to produce therapeutic antibodies to desiredpeptide targets, e.g., viral, bacterial or autoantigen peptides, therebyallowing for the production of monoclonal antibodies with very discretebinding properties or even the production of a cocktail of monoclonalantibodies to different peptide targets, e.g., different viral strains.This advantage may especially be useful in the context of the productionof a therapeutic or prophylactic vaccine having a desired valency, suchas an HPV vaccine that induces protective immunity to different HPVstrains.

Fifth, the B cell selection protocol, particularly when used with Bcells derived from rabbits, tends to reproducibly yield antigen-specificantibody sequences that are very similar to endogenous humanimmunoglobulins (around 90% similar at the amino acid level) and thatcontain CDRs that possess a length very analogous to humanimmunoglobulins and therefore require little or no sequence modification(typically at most only a few CDR residues may be modified in the parentantibody sequence and no framework exogenous residues introduced) inorder to eliminate potential immunogenicity concerns. In particular,preferably the recombinant antibody will contain only the host (rabbit)CDR1 and CDR2 residues required for antigen recognition and the entireCDR3. Thereby, the high antigen binding affinity of the recoveredantibody sequences produced according to the B cell and antibodyselection protocol remains intact or substantially intact even withhumanization.

In sum, these method can be used to produce antibodies exhibiting higherbinding affinities to more distinct epitopes by the use of a moreefficient protocol than was previously known.

In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a method foridentifying a single B cell that secretes an antibody specific to adesired antigen and that optionally possesses at least one desiredfunctional property such as affinity, avidity, cytolytic activity, andthe like by a process including the following steps:

a. immunizing a host against an antigen;

b. harvesting B cells from the host;

c. enriching the harvested B cells to increase the frequency ofantigen-specific cells;

d. creating at least one single cell suspension;

e. culturing a sub-population from the single cell suspension underconditions that favor the survival of a single antigen-specific B cellper culture well;

f. isolating B cells from the sub-population; and

g. determining whether the single B cell produces an antibody specificto the antigen.

Typically, these methods will further comprise an additional step ofisolating and sequencing, in whole or in part, the polypeptide andnucleic acid sequences encoding the desired antibody. These sequences ormodified versions or portions thereof can be expressed in desired hostcells in order to produce recombinant antibodies to a desired antigen.

As noted previously, it is believed that the clonal population of Bcells predominantly comprises antibody-secreting B cells producingantibody against the desired antigen. It is also believed based onexperimental results obtained with several antigens and with different Bcell populations that the clonally produced B cells and the isolatedantigen-specific B cells derived therefrom produced according to theinvention secrete a monoclonal antibody that is typically of relativelyhigh affinity and moreover is capable of efficiently and reproduciblyproducing a selection of monoclonal antibodies of greater epitopicvariability as compared to other methods of deriving monoclonalantibodies from cultured antigen-specific B cells. In an exemplaryembodiment the population of immune cells used in such B cell selectionmethods will be derived from a rabbit. However, other hosts that produceantibodies, including non-human and human hosts, can alternatively beused as a source of immune B cells. It is believed that the use ofrabbits as a source of B cells may enhance the diversity of monoclonalantibodies that may be derived by the methods. Also, the antibodysequences derived from rabbits according to the invention typicallypossess sequences having a high degree of sequence identity to humanantibody sequences making them favored for use in humans since theyshould possess little antigenicity. In the course of humanization, thefinal humanized antibody contains a much lower foreign/host residuecontent, usually restricted to a subset of the host CDR residues thatdiffer dramatically due to their nature versus the human target sequenceused in the grafting. This enhances the probability of complete activityrecovery in the humanized antibody protein.

The methods of antibody selection using an enrichment step disclosedherein include a step of obtaining a immune cell-containing cellpopulation from an immunized host. Methods of obtaining an immunecell-containing cell population from an immunized host are known in theart and generally include inducing an immune response in a host andharvesting cells from the host to obtain one or more cell populations.The response can be elicited by immunizing the host against a desiredantigen. Alternatively, the host used as a source of such immune cellscan be naturally exposed to the desired antigen such as an individualwho has been infected with a particular pathogen such as a bacterium orvirus or alternatively has mounted a specific antibody response to acancer that the individual is afflicted with.

Host animals are well-known in the art and include, but are not limitedto, guinea pig, rabbit, mouse, rat, non-human primate, human, as well asother mammals and rodents, chicken, cow, pig, goat, and sheep.Preferably the host is a mammal, more preferably, rabbit, mouse, rat, orhuman. When exposed to an antigen, the host produces antibodies as partof the native immune response to the antigen. As mentioned, the immuneresponse can occur naturally, as a result of disease, or it can beinduced by immunization with the antigen. Immunization can be performedby any method known in the art, such as, by one or more injections ofthe antigen with or without an agent to enhance immune response, such ascomplete or incomplete Freund's adjuvant. In another embodiment, theinvention also contemplates intrasplenic immunization. As an alternativeto immunizing a host animal in vivo, the method can comprise immunizinga host cell culture in vitro.

After allowing time for the immune response (e.g., as measured by serumantibody detection), host animal cells are harvested to obtain one ormore cell populations. In a preferred embodiment, a harvested cellpopulation is screened for antibody binding strength and/or antibodyfunctionality. A harvested cell population is preferably from at leastone of the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and/or peripheral bloodmononuclear cells (PBMCs). The cells can be harvested from more than onesource and pooled. Certain sources may be preferred for certainantigens. For example, the spleen, lymph nodes, and PBMCs are preferredfor IL-6; and the lymph nodes are preferred for TNF. The cell populationis harvested about 20 to about 90 days or increments therein afterimmunization, preferably about 50 to about 60 days. A harvested cellpopulation and/or a single cell suspension therefrom can be enriched,screened, and/or cultured for antibody selection. The frequency ofantigen-specific cells within a harvested cell population is usuallyabout 1% to about 5%, or increments therein.

In one embodiment, a single cell suspension from a harvested cellpopulation is enriched, preferably by using Miltenyi beads. From theharvested cell population having a frequency of antigen-specific cellsof about 1% to about 5%, an enriched cell population is thus derivedhaving a frequency of antigen-specific cells approaching 100%.

The method of antibody selection using an enrichment step includes astep of producing antibodies from at least one antigen-specific cellfrom an enriched cell population. Methods of producing antibodies invitro are well known in the art, and any suitable method can beemployed. In one embodiment, an enriched cell population, such as anantigen-specific single cell suspension from a harvested cellpopulation, is plated at various cell densities, such as 50, 100, 250,500, or other increments between 1 and 1000 cells per well. Preferably,the sub-population comprises no more than about 10,000 antigen-specific,antibody-secreting cells, more preferably about 50-10,000, about50-5,000, about 50-1,000, about 50-500, about 50-250 antigen-specific,antibody-secreting cells, or increments therein. Then, thesesub-populations are cultured with suitable medium (e.g., an activated Tcell conditioned medium, particularly 1-5% activated rabbit T cellconditioned medium) on a feeder layer, preferably under conditions thatfavor the survival of a single proliferating antibody-secreting cell perculture well. The feeder layer, generally comprised of irradiated cellmatter, e.g., EL4B cells, does not constitute part of the cellpopulation. The cells are cultured in a suitable media for a timesufficient for antibody production, for example about 1 day to about 2weeks, about 1 day to about 10 days, at least about 3 days, about 3 toabout 5 days, about 5 days to about 7 days, at least about 7 days, orother increments therein. In one embodiment, more than onesub-population is cultured simultaneously. Preferably, a singleantibody-producing cell and progeny thereof survives in each well,thereby providing a clonal population of antigen-specific B cells ineach well. At this stage, the immunoglobulin G (IgG) produced by theclonal population is highly correlative with antigen specificity. In apreferred embodiment, the IgGs exhibit a correlation with antigenspecificity that is greater than about 50%, more preferably greater than70%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or increments therein. See FIG. 3, whichdemonstrates an exemplary correlation for IL-6. The correlations weredemonstrated by setting up B cell cultures under limiting conditions toestablish single antigen-specific antibody products per well.Antigen-specific versus general IgG synthesis was compared. Threepopulations were observed: IgG that recognized a single format ofantigen (biotinylated and direct coating), detectable IgG and antigenrecognition irrespective of immobilization, and IgG production alone.IgG production was highly correlated with antigen-specificity.

A supernatant containing the antibodies is optionally collected, whichcan be can be enriched, screened, and/or cultured for antibody selectionaccording to the steps described above. In one embodiment, thesupernatant is enriched (preferably by an antigen-specificity assay,especially an ELISA assay) and/or screened for antibody functionality.

In another embodiment, the enriched, preferably clonal, antigen-specificB cell population from which a supernatant described above is optionallyscreened in order to detect the presence of the desired secretedmonoclonal antibody is used for the isolation of a few B cells,preferably a single B cell, which is then tested in an appropriate assayin order to confirm the presence of a single antibody-producing B cellin the clonal B cell population. In one embodiment about 1 to about 20cells are isolated from the clonal B cell population, preferably lessthan about 15, 12, 10, 5, or 3 cells, or increments therein, mostpreferably a single cell. The screen is preferably effected by anantigen-specificity assay, especially a halo assay. The halo assay canbe performed with the full length protein, or a fragment thereof. Theantibody-containing supernatant can also be screened for at least oneof: antigen binding affinity; agonism or antagonism of antigen-ligandbinding, induction or inhibition of the proliferation of a specifictarget cell type; induction or inhibition of lysis of a target cell, andinduction or inhibition of a biological pathway involving the antigen.

The identified antigen-specific cell can be used to derive thecorresponding nucleic acid sequences encoding the desired monoclonalantibody. (An AluI digest can confirm that only a single monoclonalantibody type is produced per well.) As mentioned above, these sequencescan be mutated, such as by humanization, in order to render themsuitable for use in human medicaments.

As mentioned, the enriched B cell population used in the process canalso be further enriched, screened, and/or cultured for antibodyselection according to the steps described above which can be repeatedor performed in a different order. In a preferred embodiment, at leastone cell of an enriched, preferably clonal, antigen-specific cellpopulation is isolated, cultured, and used for antibody selection.

Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a methodcomprising:

a. harvesting a cell population from an immunized host to obtain aharvested cell population;

b. creating at least one single cell suspension from a harvested cellpopulation;

c. enriching at least one single cell suspension, preferably bychromatography, to form a first enriched cell population;

d. enriching the first enriched cell population, preferably by ELISAassay, to form a second enriched cell population which preferably isclonal, i.e., it contains only a single type of antigen-specific B cell;

e. enriching the second enriched cell population, preferably by haloassay, to form a third enriched cell population containing a single or afew number of B cells that produce an antibody specific to a desiredantigen; and

f. selecting an antibody produced by an antigen-specific cell isolatedfrom the third enriched cell population.

The method can further include one or more steps of screening theharvested cell population for antibody binding strength (affinity,avidity) and/or antibody functionality. Suitable screening stepsinclude, but are not limited to, assay methods that detect: whether theantibody produced by the identified antigen-specific B cell produces anantibody possessing a minimal antigen binding affinity, whether theantibody agonizes or antagonizes the binding of a desired antigen to aligand; whether the antibody induces or inhibits the proliferation of aspecific cell type; whether the antibody induces or elicits a cytolyticreaction against target cells; whether the antibody binds to a specificepitope; and whether the antibody modulates (inhibits or agonizes) aspecific biological pathway or pathways involving the antigen.

Similarly, the method can include one or more steps of screening thesecond enriched cell population for antibody binding strength and/orantibody functionality.

The method can further include a step of sequencing the polypeptidesequence or the corresponding nucleic acid sequence of the selectedantibody. The method can also include a step of producing a recombinantantibody using the sequence, a fragment thereof, or a geneticallymodified version of the selected antibody. Methods for mutating antibodysequences in order to retain desired properties are well known to thoseskilled in the art and include humanization, chimerisation, productionof single chain antibodies; these mutation methods can yield recombinantantibodies possessing desired effector function, immunogenicity,stability, removal or addition of glycosylation, and the like. Therecombinant antibody can be produced by any suitable recombinant cell,including, but not limited to mammalian cells such as CHO, COS, BHK,HEK-293, bacterial cells, yeast cells, plant cells, insect cells, andamphibian cells. In one embodiment, the antibodies are expressed inpolyploidal yeast cells, i.e., diploid yeast cells, particularly Pichia.

In one embodiment, the method comprises:

a. immunizing a host against an antigen to yield host antibodies;

b. screening the host antibodies for antigen specificity andneutralization;

c. harvesting B cells from the host;

d. enriching the harvested B cells to create an enriched cell populationhaving an increased frequency of antigen-specific cells;

e. culturing one or more sub-populations from the enriched cellpopulation under conditions that favor the survival of a single B cellto produce a clonal population in at least one culture well;

f. determining whether the clonal population produces an antibodyspecific to the antigen;

g. isolating a single B cell; and

h. sequencing the nucleic acid sequence of the antibody produced by thesingle B cell.

Methods of Humanizing Antibodies

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method forhumanizing antibody heavy and light chains. In this embodiment, thefollowing method is followed for the humanization of the heavy and lightchains:

Light Chain

1. Identify the amino acid that is the first one following the signalpeptide sequence. This is the start of Framework 1. The signal peptidestarts at the first initiation methionine and is typically, but notnecessarily 22 amino acids in length for rabbit light chain proteinsequences. The start of the mature polypeptide can also be determinedexperimentally by N-terminal protein sequencing, or can be predictedusing a prediction algorithm. This is also the start of Framework 1 asclassically defined by those in the field.

Example: RbtVL Amino acid residue 1 in FIG. 2, starting ‘AYDM . . . ’(SEQ ID NO.647).

2. Identify the end of Framework 3. This is typically 86-90 amino acidsfollowing the start of Framework 1 and is typically a cysteine residuepreceded by two tyrosine residues. This is the end of the Framework 3 asclassically defined by those in the field.

Example: RbtVL amino acid residue 88 in FIG. 2, ending as ‘TYYC’ (SEQ IDNO.647).

3. Use the rabbit light chain sequence of the polypeptide starting fromthe beginning of Framework 1 to the end of Framework 3 as defined aboveand perform a sequence homology search for the most similar humanantibody protein sequences. This will typically be a search againsthuman germline sequences prior to antibody maturation in order to reducethe possibility of immunogenicity, however any human sequences can beused. Typically a program like BLAST can be used to search a database ofsequences for the most homologous. Databases of human antibody sequencescan be found from various sources such as NCBI (National Center forBiotechnology Information).

Example: RbtVL amino acid sequence from residues numbered 1 through 88in FIG. 2 is BLASTed against a human antibody germline database. The topthree unique returned sequences are shown in FIG. 2 as L12A, V1 andVx02.

4. Generally the most homologous human germline variable light chainsequence is then used as the basis for humanization. However thoseskilled in the art may decide to use another sequence that wasn't thehighest homology as determined by the homology algorithm, based on otherfactors including sequence gaps and framework similarities.

Example: In FIG. 2, L12A was the most homologous human germline variablelight chain sequence and is used as the basis for the humanization ofRbtVL.

5. Determine the framework and CDR arrangement (FR1, FR2, FR3, CDR1 &CDR2) for the human homolog being used for the light chain humanization.This is using the traditional layout as described in the field. Alignthe rabbit variable light chain sequence with the human homolog, whilemaintaining the layout of the framework and CDR regions.

Example: In FIG. 2, the RbtVL sequence is aligned with the humanhomologous sequence L12A, and the framework and CDR domains areindicated.

6. Replace the human homologous light chain sequence CDR1 and CDR2regions with the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences from the rabbit sequence. Ifthere are differences in length between the rabbit and human CDRsequences then use the entire rabbit CDR sequences and their lengths. Itis possible that the specificity, affinity and/or immunogenicity of theresulting humanized antibody may be unaltered if smaller or largersequence exchanges are performed, or if specific residue(s) are altered,however the exchanges as described have been used successfully, but donot exclude the possibility that other changes may be permitted.

Example: In FIG. 2, the CDR1 and CDR2 amino acid residues of the humanhomologous variable light chain L12A are replaced with the CDR1 and CDR2amino acid sequences from the RbtVL rabbit antibody light chainsequence. The human L12A frameworks 1, 2 and 3 are unaltered. Theresulting humanized sequence is shown below as VLh from residuesnumbered 1 through 88. Note that the only residues that are differentfrom the L12A human sequence are underlined, and are thus rabbit-derivedamino acid residues. In this example only 8 of the 88 residues aredifferent than the human sequence.

7. After framework 3 of the new hybrid sequence created in Step 6,attach the entire CDR3 of the rabbit light chain antibody sequence. TheCDR3 sequence can be of various lengths, but is typically 9 to 15 aminoacid residues in length. The CDR3 region and the beginning of thefollowing framework 4 region are defined classically and identifiable bythose skilled in the art. Typically the beginning of Framework 4, andthus after the end of CDR3 consists of the sequence ‘FGGG . . . ’ (SEQID NO:729), however some variation may exist in these residues.

Example: In FIG. 2, the CDR3 of RbtVL (SEQ ID NO:25) is added after theend of framework 3 in the humanized sequence indicated as VLh.

8. The rabbit light chain framework 4, which is typically the final 11amino acid residues of the variable light chain and begins as indicatedin Step 7 above and typically ends with the amino acid sequence ‘ . . .VVKR’ (SEQ ID NO: 730) is replaced with the nearest human light chainframework 4 homolog, usually from germline sequence. Frequently thishuman light chain framework 4 is of the sequence ‘FGGGTKVEIKR’ (SEQ IDNO: 731). It is possible that other human light chain framework 4sequences that are not the most homologous or otherwise different may beused without affecting the specificity, affinity and/or immunogenicityof the resulting humanized antibody. This human light chain framework 4sequence is added to the end of the variable light chain humanizedsequence immediately following the CDR3 sequence from Step 7 above. Thisis now the end of the variable light chain humanized amino acidsequence.

Example: In FIG. 2, Framework 4 (FR4) of the RbtVL rabbit light chainsequence is shown above a homologous human FR4 sequence. The human FR4sequence is added to the humanized variable light chain sequence (VLh)right after the end of the CD3 region added in Step 7 above.

In addition, FIGS. 34 and 35 depict preferred humanized anti-IL-6variable heavy and variable light chain sequences humanized from thevariable heavy and light regions in Ab1 according to the invention.These humanized light and heavy chain regions are respectively containedin the polypeptides contained in SEQ ID NO:647, or 651 and in SEQ IDNO:652, 656, 657 or 658. The CDR2 of the humanized variable heavy regionin SEQ ID NO:657 (containing a serine substitution in CDR2) is containedin SEQ ID NO:658. Alignments illustrating variants of the light andheavy chains are shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, respectively, with sequencedifferences within the CDR regions highlighted. Sequence identifiers ofCDR sequences and of exemplary coding sequences are summarized in Table1, above.

Heavy Chain

1. Identify the amino acid that is the first one following the signalpeptide sequence. This is the start of Framework 1. The signal peptidestarts at the first initiation methionine and is typically 19 aminoacids in length for rabbit heavy chain protein sequences. Typically, butnot necessarily always, the final 3 amino acid residues of a rabbitheavy chain signal peptide are ‘ . . . VQC’, followed by the start ofFramework 1. The start of the mature polypeptide can also be determinedexperimentally by N-terminal protein sequencing, or can be predictedusing a prediction algorithm. This is also the start of Framework 1 asclassically defined by those in the field.

Example: RbtVH Amino acid residue 1 in FIG. 2, starting ‘QEQL . . . ’(SEQ ID NO:732).

2. Identify the end of Framework 3. This is typically 95-100 amino acidsfollowing the start of Framework 1 and typically has the final sequenceof ‘ . . . CAR’ (although the alanine can also be a valine). This is theend of the Framework 3 as classically defined by those in the field.

Example: RbtVH amino acid residue 98 in FIG. 2, ending as ‘ . . . FCVR’(SEQ ID NO:733).

3. Use the rabbit heavy chain sequence of the polypeptide starting fromthe beginning of Framework 1 to the end of Framework 3 as defined aboveand perform a sequence homology search for the most similar humanantibody protein sequences. This will typically be against a database ofhuman germline sequences prior to antibody maturation in order to reducethe possibility of immunogenicity, however any human sequences can beused. Typically a program like BLAST can be used to search a database ofsequences for the most homologous. Databases of human antibody sequencescan be found from various sources such as NCBI (National Center forBiotechnology Information).

Example: RbtVH amino acid sequence from residues numbered 1 through 98in FIG. 2 is BLASTed against a human antibody germline database. The topthree unique returned sequences are shown in FIG. 2 as 3-64-04, 3-66-04,and 3-53-02.

4. Generally the most homologous human germline variable heavy chainsequence is then used as the basis for humanization. However thoseskilled in the art may decide to use another sequence that wasn't themost homologous as determined by the homology algorithm, based on otherfactors including sequence gaps and framework similarities.

Example: 3-64-04 in FIG. 2 was the most homologous human germlinevariable heavy chain sequence and is used as the basis for thehumanization of RbtVH.

5. Determine the framework and CDR arrangement (FR1, FR2, FR3, CDR1 &CDR2) for the human homolog being used for the heavy chain humanization.This is using the traditional layout as described in the field. Alignthe rabbit variable heavy chain sequence with the human homolog, whilemaintaining the layout of the framework and CDR regions.

Example: In FIG. 2, the RbtVH sequence is aligned with the humanhomologous sequence 3-64-04, and the framework and CDR domains areindicated.

6. Replace the human homologous heavy chain sequence CDR1 and CDR2regions with the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences from the rabbit sequence. Ifthere are differences in length between the rabbit and human CDRsequences then use the entire rabbit CDR sequences and their lengths. Inaddition, it may be necessary to replace the final three amino acids ofthe human heavy chain Framework 1 region with the final three aminoacids of the rabbit heavy chain Framework 1. Typically but not always,in rabbit heavy chain Framework 1 these three residues follow a Glycineresidue preceded by a Serine residue. In addition, it may be necessaryreplace the final amino acid of the human heavy chain Framework 2 regionwith the final amino acid of the rabbit heavy chain Framework 2.Typically, but not necessarily always, this is a Glycine residuepreceded by an Isoleucine residue in the rabbit heavy chain Framework 2.It is possible that the specificity, affinity and/or immunogenicity ofthe resulting humanized antibody may be unaltered if smaller or largersequence exchanges are performed, or if specific residue(s) are altered,however the exchanges as described have been used successfully, but donot exclude the possibility that other changes may be permitted. Forexample, a tryptophan amino acid residue typically occurs four residuesprior to the end of the rabbit heavy chain CDR2 region, whereas in humanheavy chain CDR2 this residue is typically a Serine residue. Changingthis rabbit tryptophan residue to a the human Serine residue at thisposition has been demonstrated to have minimal to no effect on thehumanized antibody's specificity or affinity, and thus further minimizesthe content of rabbit sequence-derived amino acid residues in thehumanized sequence.

Example: In FIG. 2, The CDR1 and CDR2 amino acid residues of the humanhomologous variable heavy chain are replaced with the CDR1 and CDR2amino acid sequences from the RbtVH rabbit antibody light chainsequence, except for the boxed residue, which is tryptophan in therabbit sequence (position number 63) and Serine at the same position inthe human sequence, and is kept as the human Serine residue. In additionto the CDR1 and CDR2 changes, the final three amino acids of Framework 1(positions 28-30) as well as the final residue of Framework 2 (position49) are retained as rabbit amino acid residues instead of human. Theresulting humanized sequence is shown below as VHh from residuesnumbered 1 through 98. Note that the only residues that are differentfrom the 3-64-04 human sequence are underlined, and are thusrabbit-derived amino acid residues. In this example only 15 of the 98residues are different than the human sequence.

7. After framework 3 of the new hybrid sequence created in Step 6,attach the entire CDR3 of the rabbit heavy chain antibody sequence. TheCDR3 sequence can be of various lengths, but is typically 5 to 19 aminoacid residues in length. The CDR3 region and the beginning of thefollowing framework 4 region are defined classically and areidentifiable by those skilled in the art. Typically the beginning offramework 4, and thus after the end of CDR3 consists of the sequenceWGXG . . . (where X is usually Q or P) (SEQ ID NO:740), however somevariation may exist in these residues.

Example: The CDR3 of RbtVH (SEQ ID NO:28) is added after the end offramework 3 in the humanized sequence indicated as VHh.

8. The rabbit heavy chain framework 4, which is typically the final 11amino acid residues of the variable heavy chain and begins as indicatedin Step 7 above and typically ends with the amino acid sequence ‘ . . .TVSS’ (SEQ ID NO:734) is replaced with the nearest human heavy chainframework 4 homolog, usually from germline sequence. Frequently thishuman heavy chain framework 4 is of the sequence ‘WGQGTLVTVSS’(SEQ IDNO:735). It is possible that other human heavy chain framework 4sequences that are not the most homologous or otherwise different may beused without affecting the specificity, affinity and/or immunogenicityof the resulting humanized antibody. This human heavy chain framework 4sequence is added to the end of the variable heavy chain humanizedsequence immediately following the CDR3 sequence from Step 7 above. Thisis now the end of the variable heavy chain humanized amino acidsequence.

Example: In FIG. 2, framework 4 (FR4) of the RbtVH rabbit heavy chainsequence is shown above a homologous human heavy FR4 sequence. The humanFR4 sequence is added to the humanized variable heavy chain sequence(VHh) right after the end of the CD3 region added in Step 7 above.

Methods of Producing Antibodies and Fragments Thereof

The invention is also directed to the production of the antibodiesdescribed herein or fragments thereof. Recombinant polypeptidescorresponding to the antibodies described herein or fragments thereofare secreted from polyploidal, preferably diploid or tetraploid strainsof mating competent yeast. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention isdirected to methods for producing these recombinant polypeptides insecreted form for prolonged periods using cultures comprising polyploidyeast, i.e., at least several days to a week, more preferably at least amonth or several months, and even more preferably at least 6 months to ayear or longer. These polyploid yeast cultures will express at least10-25 mg/liter of the polypeptide, more preferably at least 50-250mg/liter, still more preferably at least 500-1000 mg/liter, and mostpreferably a gram per liter or more of the recombinant polypeptide(s).

In one embodiment of the invention a pair of genetically marked yeasthaploid cells are transformed with expression vectors comprisingsubunits of a desired heteromultimeric protein. One haploid cellcomprises a first expression vector, and a second haploid cell comprisesa second expression vector. In another embodiment diploid yeast cellswill be transformed with one or more expression vectors that provide forthe expression and secretion of one or more of the recombinantpolypeptides. In still another embodiment a single haploid cell may betransformed with one or more vectors and used to produce a polyploidalyeast by fusion or mating strategies. In yet another embodiment adiploid yeast culture may be transformed with one or more vectorsproviding for the expression and secretion of a desired polypeptide orpolypeptides. These vectors may comprise vectors e.g., linearizedplasmids or other linear DNA products that integrate into the yeastcell's genome randomly, through homologous recombination, or using arecombinase such as Cre/Lox or Flp/Frt. Optionally, additionalexpression vectors may be introduced into the haploid or diploid cells;or the first or second expression vectors may comprise additional codingsequences; for the synthesis of heterotrimers; heterotetramers; etc. Theexpression levels of the non-identical polypeptides may be individuallycalibrated, and adjusted through appropriate selection, vector copynumber, promoter strength and/or induction and the like. The transformedhaploid cells are genetically crossed or fused. The resulting diploid ortetraploid strains are utilized to produce and secrete fully assembledand biologically functional proteins, humanized antibodies describedherein or fragments thereof.

The use of diploid or tetraploid cells for protein production providesfor unexpected benefits. The cells can be grown for production purposes,i.e. scaled up, and for extended periods of time, in conditions that canbe deleterious to the growth of haploid cells, which conditions mayinclude high cell density; growth in minimal media; growth at lowtemperatures; stable growth in the absence of selective pressure; andwhich may provide for maintenance of heterologous gene sequenceintegrity and maintenance of high level expression over time. Withoutwishing to be bound thereby, the inventors theorize that these benefitsmay arise, at least in part, from the creation of diploid strains fromtwo distinct parental haploid strains. Such haploid strains can comprisenumerous minor autotrophic mutations, which mutations are complementedin the diploid or tetraploid, enabling growth and enhanced productionunder highly selective conditions.

Transformed mating competent haploid yeast cells provide a geneticmethod that enables subunit pairing of a desired protein. Haploid yeaststrains are transformed with each of two expression vectors, a firstvector to direct the synthesis of one polypeptide chain and a secondvector to direct the synthesis of a second, non-identical polypeptidechain. The two haploid strains are mated to provide a diploid host whereoptimized target protein production can be obtained.

Optionally, additional non-identical coding sequence(s) are provided.Such sequences may be present on additional expression vectors or in thefirst or the second expression vectors. As is known in the art, multiplecoding sequences may be independently expressed from individualpromoters; or may be coordinately expressed through the inclusion of an“internal ribosome entry site” or “IRES”, which is an element thatpromotes direct internal ribosome entry to the initiation codon, such asATG, of a cistron (a protein encoding region), thereby leading to thecap-independent translation of the gene. IRES elements functional inyeast are described by Thompson et al. (2001) P.N.A.S. 98:12866-12868.

In one embodiment of the invention, antibody sequences are produced incombination with a secretory J chain, which provides for enhancedstability of IgA (see U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,177; and 5,202,422).

In a preferred embodiment the two haploid yeast strains are eachauxotrophic, and require supplementation of media for growth of thehaploid cells. The pair of auxotrophs are complementary, such that thediploid product will grow in the absence of the supplements required forthe haploid cells. Many such genetic markers are known in yeast,including requirements for amino acids (e.g. met, lys, his, arg, etc.),nucleosides (e.g. ura3, ade1, etc.); and the like. Amino acid markersmay be preferred for the methods of the invention. Alternatively diploidcells which contain the desired vectors can be selected by other means,e.g., by use of other markers, such as green fluorescent protein,antibiotic resistance genes, various dominant selectable markers, andthe like.

Two transformed haploid cells may be genetically crossed and diploidstrains arising from this mating event selected by their hybridnutritional requirements and/or antibiotic resistance spectra.Alternatively, populations of the two transformed haploid strains arespheroplasted and fused, and diploid progeny regenerated and selected.By either method, diploid strains can be identified and selectivelygrown based on their ability to grow in different media than theirparents. For example, the diploid cells may be grown in minimal mediumthat may include antibiotics. The diploid synthesis strategy has certainadvantages. Diploid strains have the potential to produce enhancedlevels of heterologous protein through broader complementation tounderlying mutations, which may impact the production and/or secretionof recombinant protein. Furthermore, once stable strains have beenobtained, any antibiotics used to select those strains do notnecessarily need to be continuously present in the growth media.

As noted above, in some embodiments a haploid yeast may be transformedwith a single or multiple vectors and mated or fused with anon-transformed cell to produce a diploid cell containing the vector orvectors. In other embodiments, a diploid yeast cell may be transformedwith one or more vectors that provide for the expression and secretionof a desired heterologous polypeptide by the diploid yeast cell.

In one embodiment of the invention, two haploid strains are transformedwith a library of polypeptides, e.g. a library of antibody heavy orlight chains. Transformed haploid cells that synthesize the polypeptidesare mated with the complementary haploid cells. The resulting diploidcells are screened for functional protein. The diploid cells provide ameans of rapidly, conveniently and inexpensively bringing together alarge number of combinations of polypeptides for functional testing.This technology is especially applicable for the generation ofheterodimeric protein products, where optimized subunit synthesis levelsare critical for functional protein expression and secretion.

In another embodiment of the invention, the expression level ratio ofthe two subunits is regulated in order to maximize product generation.Heterodimer subunit protein levels have been shown previously to impactthe final product generation (Simmons L C, J Immunol Methods. 2002 May1; 263(1-2):133-47). Regulation can be achieved prior to the mating stepby selection for a marker present on the expression vector. By stablyincreasing the copy number of the vector, the expression level can beincreased. In some cases, it may be desirable to increase the level ofone chain relative to the other, so as to reach a balanced proportionbetween the subunits of the polypeptide. Antibiotic resistance markersare useful for this purpose, e.g. Zeocin resistance marker, G418resistance, etc. and provide a means of enrichment for strains thatcontain multiple integrated copies of an expression vector in a strainby selecting for transformants that are resistant to higher levels ofZeocin or G418. The proper ratio, e.g. 1:1; 1:2; etc. of the subunitgenes may be important for efficient protein production. Even when thesame promoter is used to transcribe both subunits, many other factorscontribute to the final level of protein expressed and therefore, it canbe useful to increase the number of copies of one encoded gene relativeto the other. Alternatively, diploid strains that produce higher levelsof a polypeptide, relative to single copy vector strains, are created bymating two haploid strains, both of which have multiple copies of theexpression vectors.

Host cells are transformed with the above-described expression vectors,mated to form diploid strains, and cultured in conventional nutrientmedia modified as appropriate for inducing promoters, selectingtransformants or amplifying the genes encoding the desired sequences. Anumber of minimal media suitable for the growth of yeast are known inthe art. Any of these media may be supplemented as necessary with salts(such as sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate), buffers(such as phosphate, HEPES), nucleosides (such as adenosine andthymidine), antibiotics, trace elements, and glucose or an equivalentenergy source. Any other necessary supplements may also be included atappropriate concentrations that would be known to those skilled in theart. The culture conditions, such as temperature, pH and the like, arethose previously used with the host cell selected for expression, andwill be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.

Secreted proteins are recovered from the culture medium. A proteaseinhibitor, such as phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) may be usefulto inhibit proteolytic degradation during purification, and antibioticsmay be included to prevent the growth of adventitious contaminants. Thecomposition may be concentrated, filtered, dialyzed, etc., using methodsknown in the art.

The diploid cells of the invention are grown for production purposes.Such production purposes desirably include growth in minimal media,which media lacks pre-formed amino acids and other complex biomolecules,e.g., media comprising ammonia as a nitrogen source, and glucose as anenergy and carbon source, and salts as a source of phosphate, calciumand the like. Preferably such production media lacks selective agentssuch as antibiotics, amino acids, purines, pyrimidines, etc. The diploidcells can be grown to high cell density, for example at least about 50g/L; more usually at least about 100 g/L; and may be at least about 300,about 400, about 500 g/L or more.

In one embodiment of the invention, the growth of the subject cells forproduction purposes is performed at low temperatures, which temperaturesmay be lowered during log phase, during stationary phase, or both. Theterm “low temperature” refers to temperatures of at least about 15° C.,more usually at least about 17° C., and may be about 20° C., and isusually not more than about 25° C., more usually not more than about 22°C. In another embodiment of the invention, the low temperature isusually not more than about 28° C. Growth temperature can impact theproduction of full-length secreted proteins in production cultures, anddecreasing the culture growth temperature can strongly enhance theintact product yield. The decreased temperature appears to assistintracellular trafficking through the folding and post-translationalprocessing pathways used by the host to generate the target product,along with reduction of cellular protease degradation.

The methods of the invention provide for expression of secreted, activeprotein, preferably a mammalian protein. In one embodiment, secreted,“active antibodies”, as used herein, refers to a correctly foldedmultimer of at least two properly paired chains, which accurately bindsto its cognate antigen. Expression levels of active protein are usuallyat least about 10-50 mg/liter culture, more usually at least about 100mg/liter, preferably at least about 500 mg/liter, and may be 1000mg/liter or more.

The methods of the invention can provide for increased stability of thehost and heterologous coding sequences during production. The stabilityis evidenced, for example, by maintenance of high levels of expressionof time, where the starting level of expression is decreased by not morethan about 20%, usually not more than 10%, and may be decreased by notmore than about 5% over about 20 doublings, 50 doublings, 100 doublings,or more.

The strain stability also provides for maintenance of heterologous genesequence integrity over time, where the sequence of the active codingsequence and requisite transcriptional regulatory elements aremaintained in at least about 99% of the diploid cells, usually in atleast about 99.9% of the diploid cells, and preferably in at least about99.99% of the diploid cells over about 20 doublings, 50 doublings, 100doublings, or more. Preferably, substantially all of the diploid cellsmaintain the sequence of the active coding sequence and requisitetranscriptional regulatory elements.

Other methods of producing antibodies are well known to those ofordinary skill in the art. For example, methods of producing chimericantibodies are now well known in the art (See, for example, U.S. Pat.No. 4,816,567 to Cabilly et al.; Morrison et al., P.N.A.S. USA,81:8651-55 (1984); Neuberger, M. S. et al., Nature, 314:268-270 (1985);Boulianne, G. L. et al., Nature, 312:643-46 (1984), the disclosures ofeach of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties).

Likewise, other methods of producing humanized antibodies are now wellknown in the art (See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,530,101, 5,585,089,5,693,762, and 6,180,370 to Queen et al; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,225,539 and6,548,640 to Winter; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,054,297, 6,407,213 and 6,639,055to Carter et al; U.S. Pat. No. 6,632,927 to Adair; Jones, P. T. et al,Nature, 321:522-525 (1986); Reichmann, L., et al, Nature, 332:323-327(1988); Verhoeyen, M, et al, Science, 239:1534-36 (1988), thedisclosures of each of which are herein incorporated by reference intheir entireties).

Antibody polypeptides of the invention having IL-6 binding specificitymay also be produced by constructing, using conventional techniques wellknown to those of ordinary skill in the art, an expression vectorcontaining an operon and a DNA sequence encoding an antibody heavy chainin which the DNA sequence encoding the CDRs required for antibodyspecificity is derived from a non-human cell source, preferably a rabbitB-cell source, while the DNA sequence encoding the remaining parts ofthe antibody chain is derived from a human cell source.

A second expression vector is produced using the same conventional meanswell known to those of ordinary skill in the art, said expression vectorcontaining an operon and a DNA sequence encoding an antibody light chainin which the DNA sequence encoding the CDRs required for antibodyspecificity is derived from a non-human cell source, preferably a rabbitB-cell source, while the DNA sequence encoding the remaining parts ofthe antibody chain is derived from a human cell source.

The expression vectors are transfected into a host cell by conventiontechniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art to produce atransfected host cell, said transfected host cell cultured byconventional techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the artto produce said antibody polypeptides.

The host cell may be co-transfected with the two expression vectorsdescribed above, the first expression vector containing DNA encoding anoperon and a light chain-derived polypeptide and the second vectorcontaining DNA encoding an operon and a heavy chain-derived polypeptide.The two vectors contain different selectable markers, but preferablyachieve substantially equal expression of the heavy and light chainpolypeptides. Alternatively, a single vector may be used, the vectorincluding DNA encoding both the heavy and light chain polypeptides. Thecoding sequences for the heavy and light chains may comprise cDNA.

The host cells used to express the antibody polypeptides may be either abacterial cell such as E. coli, or a eukaryotic cell. In a particularlypreferred embodiment of the invention, a mammalian cell of awell-defined type for this purpose, such as a myeloma cell or a Chinesehamster ovary (CHO) cell line may be used.

The general methods by which the vectors may be constructed,transfection methods required to produce the host cell and culturingmethods required to produce the antibody polypeptides from said hostcells all include conventional techniques. Although preferably the cellline used to produce the antibody is a mammalian cell line, any othersuitable cell line, such as a bacterial cell line such as an E.coli-derived bacterial strain, or a yeast cell line, may alternativelybe used.

Similarly, once produced the antibody polypeptides may be purifiedaccording to standard procedures in the art, such as for examplecross-flow filtration, ammonium sulphate precipitation, affinity columnchromatography and the like.

The antibody polypeptides described herein may also be used for thedesign and synthesis of either peptide or non-peptide mimetics thatwould be useful for the same therapeutic applications as the antibodypolypeptides of the invention. See, for example, Saragobi et al,Science, 253:792-795 (1991), the contents of which is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

Exemplary Embodiments of Heavy and Light Chain Polypeptides andPolynucleotides

This section recites exemplary embodiments of heavy and light chainpolypeptides, as well as exemplary polynucleotides encoding suchpolypeptides. These exemplary polynucleotides are suitable forexpression in the disclosed Pichia expression system.

In certain embodiments, the present invention encompassespolynucleotides having at least 70%, such as at least 75%, at least 80%,at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, atleast 99%, or 100% identity to the polynucleotides recited in thisapplication or that encode polypeptides recited in this application, orthat hybridize to said polynucleotides under conditions oflow-stringency, moderate-stringency, or high-stringency conditions,preferably those that encode polypeptides (e.g. an immunoglobulin heavyand light chain, a single-chain antibody, an antibody fragment, etc.)that have at least one of the biological activities set forth herein,including without limitation thereto specific binding to an IL-6polypeptide. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a compositioncomprising such a polynucleotide and/or a polypeptide encoded by such apolynucleotide. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses amethod of treatment of a disease or condition associated with IL-6 orthat may be prevented, treated, or ameliorated with an IL-6 antagonistsuch as Ab1 (e.g. cachexia, cancer fatigue, arthritis, etc.) comprisingadministration of a composition comprising such a polynucleotide and/orpolypeptide.

In certain preferred embodiments, a heavy chain polypeptide willcomprise one or more of the CDR sequences of the heavy and/or lightchain polypeptides recited herein (including those contained in theheavy and light chain polypeptides recited herein) and one or more ofthe framework region polypeptides recited herein, including thosedepicted in FIGS. 2 and 34-37 or Table 1, and contained in the heavy andlight chain polypeptide sequences recited herein. In certain preferredembodiments, a heavy chain polypeptide will comprise one or moreFramework 4 region sequences as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 34-35, and 36Aand 36B, and 37A and 37B, or Table 1, or as contained in a heavy orlight chain polypeptide recited herein.

In certain preferred embodiments, a light chain polypeptide willcomprise one or more of the CDR sequences of the heavy and/or lightchain polypeptides recited herein (including those contained in theheavy and light chain polypeptides recited herein) and one or more ofthe Framework region polypeptides recited herein, including thosedepicted in FIGS. 2 and 34-37 or Table 1, and contained in the heavy andlight chain polypeptide sequences recited herein. In certain preferredembodiments, a light chain polypeptide will comprise one or moreFramework 4 region sequences as depicted in FIGS. 2 and 34-35, and 36Aand 36B, and 37A and 37B, or Table 1, or as contained in a heavy orlight chain polypeptide recited herein.

In any of the embodiments recited herein, certain of the sequencesrecited may be substituted for each other, unless the context indicatesotherwise. The recitation that particular sequences may be substitutedfor one another, where such recitations are made, are understood to beillustrative rather than limiting, and it is also understood that suchsubstitutions are encompassed even when no illustrative examples ofsubstitutions are recited, For example, wherever one or more of the Ab1light chain polypeptides is recited, e.g. any of SEQ ID NO: 2, 20, 647,651, 660, 666, 699, 702, 706, or 709, another Ab1 light chainpolypeptide may be substituted unless the context indicates otherwise.Similarly, wherever one of the Ab1 heavy chain polypeptides is recited,e.g. any of SEQ ID NO: 3, 18, 19, 652, 656, 657, 661, 664, 665, 657,658, 704, or 708, another Ab1 heavy chain polypeptide may be substitutedunless the context indicates otherwise. Likewise, wherever one of theAb1 light chain polynucleotides is recited, e.g. any of SEQ ID NO:10,662, 698, 701, or 705, another Ab1 light chain polynucleotide may besubstituted unless the context indicates otherwise. Similarly, whereverone of the Ab1 heavy chain polynucleotides is recited, e.g. any of SEQID NO:11, 663, 700, 703, or 707, another Ab1 heavy chain polynucleotidemay be substituted unless the context indicates otherwise. Additionally,recitation of any member of any of the following groups is understood toencompass substitution by any other member of the group, as follows: Ab2Light chain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:21 and 667); Ab2 Light chainpolynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:29 and 669); Ab2 Heavy chain polypeptides(SEQ ID NO:22 and 668); Ab2 Heavy chain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:30and 670); Ab3 Light chain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:37 and 671); Ab3 Lightchain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:45 and 673); Ab3 Heavy chainpolypeptides (SEQ ID NO:38 and 672); Ab3 Heavy chain polynucleotides(SEQ ID NO:46 and 674); Ab4 Light chain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:53 and675); Ab4 Light chain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:61 and 677); Ab4 Heavychain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:54 and 676); Ab4 Heavy chainpolynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:62 and 678); Ab5 Light chain polypeptides(SEQ ID NO:69 and 679); Ab5 Light chain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:77and 681); Ab5 Heavy chain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:70 and 680); Ab5 Heavychain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:78 and 682); Ab6 Light chainpolypeptides (SEQ ID NO:85 and 683); Ab6 Light chain polynucleotides(SEQ ID NO:93 and 685); Ab6 Heavy chain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO:86 and684); Ab6 Heavy chain polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:94 and 686); Ab7 Lightchain polypeptides (SEQ ID NO: 101, 119, 687, 693); Ab7 Light chainpolynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:109 and 689); Ab7 Heavy chain polypeptides(SEQ ID NO: 102, 117, 118, 688, 691, and 692); Ab7 Heavy chainpolynucleotides (SEQ ID NO: 110 and 690); Ab1 Light Chain CDR1polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO: 12 and 694); Ab1 Light Chain CDR3polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:14 and 695); Ab1 Heavy Chain CDR2polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:16 and 696) and Ab1 Heavy Chain CDR3polynucleotides (SEQ ID NO:17 and 697).

Exemplary Ab1-encoding polynucleotide sequences are recited as follows:

SEQ ID NO: 662: ATGGACACGAGGGCCCCCACTCAGCTGCTGGGGCTCCTGCTGCTCTGGCTCCCAGGTGCCAGATGTGCCTATGATATGACCCAGACTCCAGCCTCGGTGTCTGCAGCTGTGGGAGGCACAGTCACCATCAAGTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAATTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGCAGCGTCCCAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCTCATCGCGGTTCAAAGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGAGTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCGACCTGGAGTGTGCCGATGCTGCCACTTACTACTGTCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAG GAATATTGATAATGCTSEQ ID NO: 663: ATGGAGACTGGGCTGCGCTGGCTTCTCCTGGTCGCTGTGCTCAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTCAGTCGCTGGAGGAGTCCGGGGGTCGCCTGGTCACGCCTGGGACACCCCTGACACTCACCTGCACAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAATGGATCGGAATCATTTATGGTAGTGATGAAACGGCCTACGCGACCTGGGCGATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAAAACCTCGACCACGGTGGATCTGAAAATGACCAGTCTGACAGCCGCGGACACGGCCACCTATTTCTGTGCCAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAATTTAACTTG SEQ ID NO: 698:GCTATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCAAGGTGGAAATCAAACGTACG SEQ ID NO: 700:GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGTCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGGCATCATCTATGGTAGTGATGAAACCGCCTACGCTACCTCCGCTATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACCCTGTATCTTCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACTGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCTAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAGTTCAACTTGTGGGGCCAAGGGACCCTCGTCAC CGTCTCGAGCSEQ ID NO: 701: GCTATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCAAGGTGGAAATCAAACGTACGGTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCCAGAGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCGGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACGCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGCTCGCCCGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACAGGGGAGAGTG T SEQ ID NO: 703:GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGTCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGGCATCATCTATGGTAGTGATGAAACCGCCTACGCTACCTCCGCTATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACCCTGTATCTTCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACTGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCTAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAGTTCAACTTGTGGGGCCAAGGGACCCTCGTCACCGTCTCGAGCGCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCGGTCTTCCCCCTGGCACCCTCCTCCAAGAGCACCTCTGGGGGCACAGCGGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCCGAACCGGTGACGGTGTCGTGGAACTCAGGCGCCCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCGGCTGTCCTACAGTCCTCAGGACTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCCTCCAGCAGCTTGGGCACCCAGACCTACATCTGCAACGTGAATCACAAGCCCAGCAACACCAAGGTGGACAAGAGAGTTGAGCCCAAATCTTGTGACAAAACTCACACATGCCCACCGTGCCCAGCACCTGAACTCCTGGGGGGACCGTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAAAACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGATCTCCCGGACCCCTGAGGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGGACGTGAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGCAGTACGCCAGCACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCCCAGCCCCCATCGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAGCCCCGAGAACCACAGGTGTACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGGGAGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAGGTCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGCTTCTATCCCAGCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTACAAGACCACGCCTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTACAGCAAGCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCATGAGGCTCTGCACAACCACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCGGGTAAA SEQ ID NO: 705:ATGAAGTGGGTAACCTTTATTTCCCTTCTGTTTCTCTTTAGCAGCGCTTATTCCGCTATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCAAGGTGGAAATCAAACGTACGGTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCCAGAGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCGGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACGCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGCTCGCCCGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACAGGGGAG AGTGT SEQ ID NO: 707:ATGAAGTGGGTAACCTTTATTTCCCTTCTGTTTCTCTTTAGCAGCGCTTATTCCGAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGTCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGGCATCATCTATGGTAGTGATGAAACCGCCTACGCTACCTCCGCTATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACCCTGTATCTTCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACTGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCTAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAGTTCAACTTGTGGGGCCAAGGGACCCTCGTCACCGTCTCGAGCGCCTCCACCAAGGGCCCATCGGTCTTCCCCCTGGCACCCTCCTCCAAGAGCACCTCTGGGGGCACAGCGGCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTCCCCGAACCGGTGACGGTGTCGTGGAACTCAGGCGCCCTGACCAGCGGCGTGCACACCTTCCCGGCTGTCCTACAGTCCTCAGGACTCTACTCCCTCAGCAGCGTGGTGACCGTGCCCTCCAGCAGCTTGGGCACCCAGACCTACATCTGCAACGTGAATCACAAGCCCAGCAACACCAAGGTGGACAAGAGAGTTGAGCCCAAATCTTGTGACAAAACTCACACATGCCCACCGTGCCCAGCACCTGAACTCCTGGGGGGACCGTCAGTCTTCCTCTTCCCCCCAAAACCCAAGGACACCCTCATGATCTCCCGGACCCCTGAGGTCACATGCGTGGTGGTGGACGTGAGCCACGAAGACCCTGAGGTCAAGTTCAACTGGTACGTGGACGGCGTGGAGGTGCATAATGCCAAGACAAAGCCGCGGGAGGAGCAGTACGCCAGCACGTACCGTGTGGTCAGCGTCCTCACCGTCCTGCACCAGGACTGGCTGAATGGCAAGGAGTACAAGTGCAAGGTCTCCAACAAAGCCCTCCCAGCCCCCATCGAGAAAACCATCTCCAAAGCCAAAGGGCAGCCCCGAGAACCACAGGTGTACACCCTGCCCCCATCCCGGGAGGAGATGACCAAGAACCAGGTCAGCCTGACCTGCCTGGTCAAAGGCTTCTATCCCAGCGACATCGCCGTGGAGTGGGAGAGCAATGGGCAGCCGGAGAACAACTACAAGACCACGCCTCCCGTGCTGGACTCCGACGGCTCCTTCTTCCTCTACAGCAAGCTCACCGTGGACAAGAGCAGGTGGCAGCAGGGGAACGTCTTCTCATGCTCCGTGATGCATGAGGCTCTGCACAACCACTACACGCAGAAGAGCCTCTCCCTGTCTCCGGG TAAA SEQ ID NO: 720:ATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCT SEQ ID NO: 721:GCCTATGATATGACCCAGACTCCAGCCTCGGTGTCTGCAGCTGTGGGAGGCACAGTCACCATCAAGTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAATTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGCAGCGTCCCAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCTCATCGCGGTTCAAAGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGAGTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCGACCTGGAGTGTGCCGATGCTGCCACTTACTACTGTCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAATATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCGAGGTGGTGGTCAAACGT SEQ ID NO: 722:ATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCAAGGTGGAAATCAAACGTACGGTGGCTGCACCATCTGTCTTCATCTTCCCGCCATCTGATGAGCAGTTGAAATCTGGAACTGCCTCTGTTGTGTGCCTGCTGAATAACTTCTATCCCAGAGAGGCCAAAGTACAGTGGAAGGTGGATAACGCCCTCCAATCGGGTAACTCCCAGGAGAGTGTCACAGAGCAGGACAGCAAGGACAGCACCTACAGCCTCAGCAGCACCCTGACGCTGAGCAAAGCAGACTACGAGAAACACAAAGTCTACGCCTGCGAAGTCACCCATCAGGGCCTGAGCTCGCCCGTCACAAAGAGCTTCAACAGGGGAGAGTGT SEQ ID NO: 723:GCTATCCAGATGACCCAGTCTCCTTCCTCCCTGTCTGCATCTGTAGGAGACAGAGTCACCATCACTTGCCAGGCCAGTCAGAGCATTAACAATGAGTTATCCTGGTATCAGCAGAAACCAGGGAAAGCCCCTAAGCTCCTGATCTATAGGGCATCCACTCTGGCATCTGGGGTCCCATCAAGGTTCAGCGGCAGTGGATCTGGGACAGACTTCACTCTCACCATCAGCAGCCTGCAGCCTGATGATTTTGCAACTTATTACTGCCAACAGGGTTATAGTCTGAGGAACATTGATAATGCTTTCGGCGGAGGGACCAAGGTGGAAATCAAACGT SEQ ID NO: 724:GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGTCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGGCATCATCTATGGTAGTGATGAAACCGCCTACGCTACCTCCGCTATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACCCTGTATCTTCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACTGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCTAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAGTTCAACTTG SEQ ID NO: 725:CAGTCGCTGGAGGAGTCCGGGGGTCGCCTGGTCACGCCTGGGACACCCCTGACACTCACCTGCACAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCCTCAGTAACTACTACGTGACCTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAATGGATCGGAATCATTTATGGTAGTGATGAAACGGCCTACGCGACCTGGGCGATAGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAAAACCTCGACCACGGTGGATCTGAAAATGACCAGTCTGACAGCCGCGGACACGGCCACCTATTTCTGTGCCAGAGATGATAGTAGTGACTGGGATGCAAAATTTAACTTGTGGGGCCAAGGCACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCGAG C

Screening Assays

The invention also includes screening assays designed to assist in theidentification of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6 inpatients exhibiting symptoms of an IL-6 associated disease or disorder.

In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies of theinvention, or IL-6 binding fragments or variants thereof, are used todetect the presence of IL-6 in a biological sample obtained from apatient exhibiting symptoms of a disease or disorder associated withIL-6. The presence of IL-6, or elevated levels thereof when compared topre-disease levels of IL-6 in a comparable biological sample, may bebeneficial in diagnosing a disease or disorder associated with IL-6.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a diagnostic or screeningassay to assist in diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated withIL-6 in patients exhibiting symptoms of an IL-6 associated disease ordisorder identified herein, comprising assaying the level of IL-6expression in a biological sample from said patient using apost-translationally modified anti-IL-6 antibody or binding fragment orvariant thereof. The anti-IL-6 antibody or binding fragment or variantthereof may be post-translationally modified to include a detectablemoiety such as set forth previously in the disclosure.

The IL-6 level in the biological sample is determined using a modifiedanti-IL-6 antibody or binding fragment or variant thereof as set forthherein, and comparing the level of IL-6 in the biological sample againsta standard level of IL-6 (e.g., the level in normal biological samples).The skilled clinician would understand that some variability may existbetween normal biological samples, and would take that intoconsideration when evaluating results.

The above-recited assay may also be useful in monitoring a disease ordisorder, where the level of IL-6 obtained in a biological sample from apatient believed to have an IL-6 associated disease or disorder iscompared with the level of IL-6 in prior biological samples from thesame patient, in order to ascertain whether the IL-6 level in saidpatient has changed with, for example, a treatment regimen.

The invention is also directed to a method of in vivo imaging whichdetects the presence of cells which express IL-6 comprisingadministering a diagnostically effective amount of a diagnosticcomposition. Said in vivo imaging is useful for the detection andimaging of IL-6 expressing tumors or metastases and IL-6 expressinginflammatory sites, for example, and can be used as part of a planningregimen for design of an effective cancer or arthritis treatmentprotocol. The treatment protocol may include, for example, one or moreof radiation, chemotherapy, cytokine therapy, gene therapy, and antibodytherapy, as well as an anti-IL-6 antibody or fragment or variantthereof.

A skilled clinician would understand that a biological sample includes,but is not limited to, sera, plasma, urine, saliva, mucous, pleuralfluid, synovial fluid and spinal fluid.

Methods of Ameliorating or Reducing Symptoms of, or Treating, orPreventing, Diseases and Disorders Associated with, IL-6

In an embodiment of the invention, IL-6 antagonists such as Ab1described herein are useful for ameliorating or reducing the symptomsof, or treating, or preventing, diseases and disorders associated withIL-6. IL-6 antagonists described herein (e.g., Ab1) can also beadministered in a therapeutically effective amount to patients in needof treatment of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6 in the formof a pharmaceutical composition as described in greater detail below.

In one embodiment of the invention, IL-6 antagonists described herein(e.g., Ab1) are useful for ameliorating or reducing the symptoms of, ortreating, or preventing, diseases and disorders associated with elevatedC-reactive protein (CRP). Such diseases include any disease thatexhibits chronic inflammation, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, juvenilerheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthropathy, ankylosingspondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerativecolitis, pemphigus, dermatomyositis, polymyositis, polymyalgiarheumatica, giant cell arteritis, vasculitis, polyarteritis nodosa,Wegener's granulomatosis, Kawasaki disease, isolated CNS vasculitis,Churg-Strauss arteritis, microscopic polyarteritis, microscopicpolyangiitis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, essential cryoglobulinemicvasculitis, rheumatoid vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, relapsingpolychondritis, Behcet's disease, Takayasu's arteritis, ischemic heartdisease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, sepsis, vasculitis secondary toviral infection (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, cytomegalovirus,Epstein-Barr virus, Parvo B19 virus, etc.), Buerger's Disease, cancer,advanced cancer, Osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis, CREST syndrome,Reiter's disease, Paget's disease of bone, Sjogran's syndrome, diabetestype 1, diabetes type 2, familial Mediterranean fever, autoimmunethrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thyroiddiseases, pernicious anemia, vitiligo, alopecia areata, primary biliarycirrhosis, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis,viral hepatitis including hepatitis B and C, other organ specificautoimmune diseases, burns, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronicobstructive pulmonary disease, allergic asthma, other allergicconditions or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, IL-6 antagonists described herein,such as anti-IL-6 antibodies (e.g., Ab1), variants thereof, or fragmentsthereof, are useful for ameliorating or reducing the symptoms of, ortreating, or preventing, diseases and disorders associated with reducedserum albumin, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, advanced cancer, liverdisease, renal disease, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac's disease,trauma, burns, other diseases associated with reduced serum albumin, orany combination thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention, IL-6 antagonists describedherein are administered to a patient in combination with another activeagent. For example, an IL-6 antagonist such as Ab1 may beco-administered with one or more chemotherapy agents, such as VEGFantagonists, EGFR antagonists, platins, taxols, irinotecan,5-fluorouracil, gemcytabine, leucovorine, steroids, cyclophosphamide,melphalan, vinca alkaloids (e.g., vinblastine, vincristine, vindesineand vinorelbine), mustines, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, radiotherapy,sex hormone antagonists, selective androgen receptor modulators,selective estrogen receptor modulators, PDGF antagonists, TNFantagonists, IL-1 antagonists, interleukins (e.g. IL-12 or IL-2), IL-12Rantagonists, Toxin conjugated monoclonal antibodies, tumor antigenspecific monoclonal antibodies, Erbitux, Avastin, Pertuzumab, anti-CD20antibodies, Rituxan, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, DXL625, herceptin, or anycombination thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, diseases anddisorders associated with fatigue. Diseases and disorders associatedwith fatigue include, but are not limited to, general fatigue,exercise-induced fatigue, cancer-related fatigue, fibromyalgia,inflammatory disease-related fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome. See,for example, Esper D H, et al, The cancer cachexia syndrome: a review ofmetabolic and clinical manifestations, Nutr Clin Pract., 2005 August; 20(4):369-76; Vgontzas A N, el al, IL-6 and its circadian secretion inhumans, Neuroimmunomodulation, 2005; 12(3): 131-40; Robson-Ansley, P J,et al, Acute interleukin-6 administration impairs athletic performancein healthy, trained male runners, Can J Appl Physiol., 2004 August;29(4):411-8; Shephard R J., Cytokine responses to physical activity,with particular reference to IL-6: sources, actions, and clinicalimplications, Crit Rev Immunol., 2002; 22(3):165-82; Arnold, M C, et al,Using an interleukin-6 challenge to evaluate neuropsychologicalperformance in chronic fatigue syndrome, Psychol Med., 2002 August;32(6):1075-89; Kurzrock R., The role of cytokines in cancer-relatedfatigue, Cancer, 2001 Sep. 15; 92(6 Suppl):1684-8; Nishimoto N, et al,Improvement in Castleman's disease by humanized anti-interleukin-6receptor antibody therapy, Blood, 2000 Jan. 1; 95 (1):56-61; Vgontzas AN, et al, Circadian interleukin-6 secretion and quantity and depth ofsleep, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 1999 August; 84(8):2603-7; andSpath-Schwalbe E, et al, Acute effects of recombinant human interleukin6 on endocrine and central nervous sleep functions in healthy men, JClin Endocrinol Metab., 1998 May; 83(5):1573-9; the disclosures of eachof which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodiesdescribed herein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful forameliorating or reducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing,cachexia. Diseases and disorders associated with cachexia include, butare not limited to, cancer-related cachexia, cardiac-related cachexia,respiratory-related cachexia, renal-related cachexia and age-relatedcachexia. See, for example, Barton, B E., Interleukin-6 and newstrategies for the treatment of cancer, hyperproliferative diseases andparaneoplastic syndromes, Expert Opin Ther Targets, 2005 August;9(4):737-52; Zaki M H, et al, CNTO 328, a monoclonal antibody to IL-6,inhibits human tumor-induced cachexia in nude mice, Int J Cancer, 2004Sep. 10; 111(4):592-5; Trikha M, et al, Targeted anti-interleukin-6monoclonal antibody therapy for cancer: a review of the rationale andclinical evidence, Clin Cancer Res., 2003 Oct. 15; 9(13):4653-65; LelliG, et al, Treatment of the cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome: a criticalreappraisal, J Chemother., 2003 June; 15(3):220-5; Argiles J M, et al,Cytokines in the pathogenesis of cancer cachexia, Curr Opin Clin NutrMetab Care, 2003 July; 6(4):401-6; Barton B E., IL-6-like cytokines andcancer cachexia: consequences of chronic inflammation, Immunol Res.,2001; 23(1):41-58; Yamashita J I, et al, Medroxyprogesterone acetate andcancer cachexia: interleukin-6 involvement, Breast Cancer, 2000;7(2):130-5; Yeh S S, et al, Geriatric cachexia: the role of cytokines,Am J Clin Nutr., 1999 August; 70(2):183-97; Strassmann G, et al,Inhibition of experimental cancer cachexia by anti-cytokine andanti-cytokine-receptor therapy, Cytokines Mol Ther., 1995 June;1(2):107-13; Fujita J, et al, Anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodyprevents muscle atrophy in colon-26 adenocarcinoma-bearing mice withmodulation of lysosomal and ATP-ubiquitin-dependent proteolyticpathways, Int J Cancer, 1996 Nov. 27; 68(5):637-43; Tsujinaka T, et al,Interleukin 6 receptor antibody inhibits muscle atrophy and modulatesproteolytic systems in interleukin 6 transgenic mice, J Clin Invest.,1996 Jan. 1; 97(1):244-9; Emilie D, et al, Administration of ananti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody to patients with acquiredimmunodeficiency syndrome and lymphoma: effect on lymphoma growth and onB clinical Symptoms, Blood, 1994 Oct. 15; 84 (8):2472-9; and StrassmannG, et al, Evidence for the involvement of interleukin 6 in experimentalcancer cachexia, J Clin Invest., 1992 May; 89(5):1681-4; the disclosuresof each of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, autoimmunediseases and disorders. Diseases and disorders associated withautoimmunity include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis,systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), systemic juvenile idiopathicarthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthropathy, ankylosing spondylitis,inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cellarteritis, autoimmune vasculitis, graft versus host disease (GVHD),Sjogren's syndrome, adult onset Still's disease. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, humanized anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, rheumatoidarthritis and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. See, for example,Nishimoto N., Clinical studies in patients with Castleman's disease,Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis in Japan, Clin Rev AllergyImmunol., 2005 June; 28(3):221-30; Nishimoto N, et al, Treatment ofrheumatoid arthritis with humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptorantibody: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,Arthritis Rheum., 2004 June; 50(6):1761-9; Choy E., Interleukin 6receptor as a target for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, AnnRheum Dis., 2003 November; 62 Suppl 2:ii68-9; Nishimoto N, el al,Toxicity, pharmacokinetics, and dose-finding study of repetitivetreatment with the humanized anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody MRA inrheumatoid arthritis. Phase I/II clinical study, J Rheumatol., 2003July; 30(7):1426-35; Mihara M, et al, Humanized antibody to humaninterleukin-6 receptor inhibits the development of collagen arthritis incynomolgus monkeys, Clin Immunol., 2001 March; 98(3):319-26; NishimotoN, et al, Anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody treatment in rheumaticdisease, Ann Rheum Dis., 2000 November; 59 Suppl 1:i21-7; Tackey E, etal, Rationale for interleukin-6 blockade in systemic lupuserythematosus, Lupus, 2004; 13(5):339-43; Finck B K, et al, Interleukin6 promotes murine lupus in NZB/NZW Fl mice, J Clin Invest., 1994 August;94 (2):585-91; Kitani A, et al, Autostimulatory effects of IL-6 onexcessive B cell differentiation in patients with systemic lupuserythematosus: analysis of IL-6 production and IL-6R expression, ClinExp Immunol., 1992 April; 88(1):75-83; Stuart R A, et al, Elevated seruminterleukin-6 levels associated with active disease in systemicconnective tissue disorders, Clin Exp Rheumatol., 1995 January-February;13 (1):17-22; Mihara M, et al, IL-6 receptor blockage inhibits the onsetof autoimmune kidney disease in NZB/W Fl mice, Clin Exp Immunol., 1998June; 12(3):397-402; Woo P, et al, Open label phase II trial of single,ascending doses of MRA in Caucasian children with severe systemicjuvenile idiopathic arthritis: proof of principle of the efficacy ofIL-6 receptor blockade in this type of arthritis and demonstration ofprolonged clinical improvement, Arthritis Res Ther., 2005; 7(6):RI281-8.Epub 2005 Sep. 15; Yokota S, el al, Clinical study of tocilizumab inchildren with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Clin RevAllergy Immunol., 2005 June; 28(3):231-8; Yokota S, et al, Therapeuticefficacy of humanized recombinant anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodyin children with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ArthritisRheum., 2005 March; 52(3):818-25; de Benedetti F, et al, Targeting theinterleukin-6 receptor: a new treatment for systemic juvenile idiopathicarthritis?, Arthritis Rheum., 2005 March; 52(3):687-93; De Benedetti F,et al, Is systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis an interleukin 6mediated disease?, J Rheumatol., 1998 February; 25(2):203-7; Ishihara K,et al, IL-6 in autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory proliferativedisease, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev., 2002 August-October; 13(4-5):357-68; Gilhar A, et al, In vivo effects of cytokines on psoriaticskin grafted on nude mice involvement of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)receptor, Clin Exp Immunol., 1996 October; 106(1):134-42; Spadaro A, etal, Interleukin-6 and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in psoriaticarthritis: correlations with clinical and laboratory parameters, ClinExp Rheumatol., 1996 July-August; 14 (4):413-6; Ameglio F, et al,Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor levels decrease in the suctionblister fluids of psoriatic patients during effective therapy,Dermatology, 1994; 189(4):359-63; Wendling D. et al, Combination therapyof anti-CD4 and anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies in a case of severespondylarthropathy, Br J Rheumatol., 1996 December; 35(12):1330;Gratacos J, et al, Serum cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta andIFN-gamma) in ankylosing spondylitis: a close correlation between serumIL-6 and disease activity and severity, Br J Rheumatol., 1994 October;33(10):927-31; Ito H., Treatment of Crohn's disease with anti-IL-6receptor antibody, J Gastroenterol., 2005 March; 40 Suppl 16:32-4; ItoH, et al, A pilot randomized trial of a human anti-interleukin-6receptor monoclonal antibody in active Crohn's disease,Gastroenterology, 2004 April; 126(4):989-96; discussion 947; Ito H.,IL-6 and Crohn's disease, Curr Drug Targets lnflamm Allergy, 2003 June;2(2):12530; Ito H, et al, Anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibodyinhibits leukocyte recruitment and promotes T-cell apoptosis in a murinemodel of Crohn's disease, J Gastroenterol., 2002 November; 37 Suppl14:56-61; Ito H., Anti-interleukin-6 therapy for Crohn's disease, CurrPharm Des., 2003; 9(4):295-305; Salvarani C, et al, Acute-phasereactants and the risk of relapse/recurrence in polymyalgia rheumatica:a prospective follow-up study, Arthritis Rheum., 2005 Feb. 15;53(1):33-8; Roche N E, et al, Correlation of interleukin-6 productionand disease activity in polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis,Arthritis Rheum., 1993 September; 36(9):1286-94; Gupta M, et al,Cytokine modulation with immune gamma-globulin in peripheral blood ofnormal children and its implications in Kawasaki disease treatment, JClin Immunol., 2001 May; 21(3):193-9; Noris M, et al, Interleukin-6 andRANTES in Takayasu arteritis: a guide for therapeutic decisions?,Circulation, 1999 Jul. 6; 100(1):55-60; Besbas N, et al, The role ofcytokines in Henoch Schonlein purpura, Scand J Rheumatol., 1997;26(6):456-60; Hirohata S, et al, Cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 inprogressive Neuro-Behcet's syndrome, Clin Immunol Immunopathol., 1997January; 82(1):12-7; Yamakawa Y, et al, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patientswith Behcet's disease, J Dermatol Sci., 1996 March; 11(3):189-95; Kim DS., Serum interleukin-6 in Kawasaki disease, Yonsei Med J., 1992 June;33(2):183-8; Lange, A., et al, Cytokines, adhesion molecules (E-selectinand VCAM-1) and graft-versus-host disease, Arch Immunol Ther Exp., 1995,43(2):99-105; Tanaka, J., et al, Cytokine gene expression afterallogeneic bone marrow transplantation, Leuk. Lymphoma, 199516(5-6):413-418; Dickenson, A M, ec al, Predicting outcome inhematological stem cell transplantation, Arch Immunol Ther Exp., 200250(6):371-8; Zeiser, R, et al, Immunopathogenesis of acutegraft-versus-host disease: implications for novel preventive andtherapeutic strategies, Ann Hematol., 2004 83(9):551-65; Dickinson, A M,et al, Genetic polymorphisms predicting the outcome of bone marrowtransplants, Br. J Haematol., 2004 127(5):479-90; and Scheinberg M A, etal, Interleukin 6: a possible marker of disease activity in adult onsetStill's disease, Clin Exp Rheumatol., 1996 November-December; 14(6):653-5, the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, diseases anddisorders associated with the skeletal system. Diseases and disordersassociated with the skeletal system include, but are not limited to,osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, humanized anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, osteoarthritis.See, for example, Malemud C J., Cytokines as therapeutic targets forosteoarthritis, BioDrugs, 2004; 18(1):23-35; Westacott C I, et al,Cytokines in osteoarthritis: mediators or markers of joint destruction?,Semin Arthritis Rheum., 1996 February; 25(4):254-72; Sugiyama T.,Involvement of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2 in particularosteoporosis of postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis, J BoneMiner Metab., 2001; 19(2):89-96; Abrahamsen B, et al, Cytokines and boneloss in a 5-year longitudinal study—hormone replacement therapysuppresses serum soluble interleukin-6 receptor and increasesinterleukin-1-receptor antagonist: the Danish Osteoporosis PreventionStudy, J Bone Miner Res., 2000 August; 15(8):1545-54; Straub R H, et al,Hormone replacement therapy and interrelation between seruminterleukin-6 and body mass index in postmenopausal women: apopulation-based study, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 2000 March;85(3):1340-4; Manolagas S C, The role of IL-6 type cytokines and theirreceptors in bone, Ann N Y Acad Sci., 1998 May 1; 840:194-204; Ershler WB, et al, Immunologic aspects of osteoporosis, Dev Comp Immunol., 1997November-December; 21(6):487-99; Jilka R L, et al, Increased osteoclastdevelopment after estrogen loss: mediation by interleukin-6, Science,1992 Jul. 3; 257(5066):88-91; Kallen K J, et al, New developments inIL-6 dependent biology and therapy: where do we stand and what are theoptions?, Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 1999 September; 8(9):1327-49;Neale S D, et al, The influence of serum cytokines and growth factors onosteoclast formation in Paget's disease, QJM, 2002 April; 95 (4):233-40;Roodman G D, Osteoclast function In Paget's disease and multiplemyeloma, Bone, 1995 August; 17(2 Suppl):57S-61S; Hoyland J A, et al,Interleukin-6, IL-6 receptor, and IL-6 nuclear factor gene expression inPaget's disease, J Bone Miner Res., 1994 January; 9(1):75-80; andRoodman G D. et al, Interleukin 6. A potential autocrine/paracrinefactor in Paget's disease of bone, J Clin Invest., 1992 January;89(1):46-52; the disclosures of each of which are herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, diseases anddisorders associated with cancer. Diseases and disorders associated withcancer include, but are not limited to, Acanthoma, Acinic cellcarcinoma, Acoustic neuroma, Acral lentiginous melanoma, Acrospiroma,Acute eosinophilic leukemia, Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Acutemegakaryoblastic leukemia, Acute monocytic leukemia, Acute myeloblasticleukemia with maturation, Acute myeloid dendritic cell leukemia, Acutemyeloid leukemia, Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Adamantinoma,Adenocarcinoma, Adenoid cystic carcinoma, Adenoma, Adenomatoidodontogenic tumor, Adrenocortical carcinoma, Adult T-cell leukemia,Aggressive NK-cell leukemia, AIDS-Related Cancers, AIDS-relatedlymphoma, Alveolar soft part sarcoma. Ameloblastic fibroma, Anal cancer,Anaplastic large cell lymphoma, Anaplastic thyroid cancer,Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, Angiomyolipoma, Angiosarcoma,Appendix cancer, Astrocytoma, Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor, Basalcell carcinoma, Basal-like carcinoma, B-cell leukemia, B-cell lymphoma,Bellini duct carcinoma, Biliary tract cancer, Bladder cancer, Blastoma,Bone Cancer, Bone tumor, Brain Stem Glioma, Brain Tumor, Breast Cancer,Brenner tumor, Bronchial Tumor, Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, Browntumor, Burkitt's lymphoma, Cancer of Unknown Primary Site, CarcinoidTumor, Carcinoma, Carcinoma in situ, Carcinoma of the penis, Carcinomaof Unknown Primary Site, Carcinosarcoma, Castleman's Disease, CentralNervous System Embryonal Tumor, Cerebellar Astrocytoma, CerebralAstrocytoma, Cervical Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chondroma,Chondrosarcoma, Chordoma, Choriocarcinoma, Choroid plexus papilloma,Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic monocytic leukemia, Chronicmyelogenous leukemia, Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorder, Chronicneutrophilic leukemia, Clear-cell tumor, Colon Cancer, Colorectalcancer, Craniopharyngioma, Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Degos disease,Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, Dermoid cyst, Desmoplastic small roundcell tumor, Diffuse large B cell lymphoma, Dysembryoplasticneuroepithelial tumor, Embryonal carcinoma, Endodermal sinus tumor,Endometrial cancer, Endometrial Uterine Cancer, Endometrioid tumor,Enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma, Ependymoblastoma, Ependymoma,Epithelioid sarcoma, Erythroleukemia, Esophageal cancer,Esthesioneuroblastoma, Ewing Family of Tumor, Ewing Family Sarcoma,Ewing's sarcoma, Extracranial Germ Cell Tumor, Extragonadal Germ CellTumor, Extrahepatic Bile Duct Cancer, Extramammary Paget's disease,Fallopian tube cancer, Fetus in fetu, Fibroma, Fibrosarcoma, Follicularlymphoma, Follicular thyroid cancer, Gallbladder Cancer, Gallbladdercancer, Ganglioglioma, Ganglioneuroma, Gastric Cancer, Gastric lymphoma,Gastrointestinal cancer, Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor,Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor, Gastrointestinal stromal tumor, Germcell tumor, Germinoma, Gestational choriocarcinoma, GestationalTrophoblastic Tumor, Giant cell tumor of bone, Glioblastoma multiforme,Glioma, Gliomatosis cerebri, Glomus tumor, Glucagonoma, Gonadoblastoma,Granulosa cell tumor, Hairy Cell Leukemia, Hairy cell leukemia, Head andNeck Cancer, Head and neck cancer, Heart cancer, Hemangioblastoma,Hemangiopericytoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Hematological malignancy,Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, Hereditarybreast-ovarian cancer syndrome, Hodgkin Lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma,Hypopharyngeal Cancer, Hypothalamic Glioma, Inflammatory breast cancer,Intraocular Melanoma, Islet cell carcinoma, Islet Cell Tumor, Juvenilemyelomonocytic leukemia, Kaposi Sarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, KidneyCancer, Klatskin tumor, Krukenberg tumor, Laryngeal Cancer, Laryngealcancer, Lentigo maligna melanoma, Leukemia, Leukemia, Lip and OralCavity Cancer, Liposarcoma, Lung cancer, Luteoma, Lymphangioma,Lymphangiosarcoma, Lymphoepithelioma, Lymphoid leukemia, Lymphoma,Macroglobulinemia, Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma, Malignant fibroushistiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma of Bone, Malignant Glioma,Malignant Mesothelioma, Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor,Malignant rhabdoid tumor, Malignant triton tumor, MALT lymphoma, Mantlecell lymphoma, Mast cell leukemia, Mediastinal germ cell tumor,Mediastinal tumor, Medullary thyroid cancer, Medulloblastoma,Medulloblastoma, Medulloepithelioma, Melanoma, Melanoma, Meningioma,Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma, Metastatic SquamousNeck Cancer with Occult Primary, Metastatic urothelial carcinoma, MixedMullerian tumor, Monocytic leukemia, Mouth Cancer, Mucinous tumor,Multicentric Castleman's disease, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome,Multiple Myeloma, Multiple myeloma, Mycosis Fungoides, Mycosisfungoides, Myelodysplastic Disease, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myeloidleukemia, Myeloid sarcoma, Myeloproliferative Disease, Myxoma, NasalCavity Cancer, Nasopharyngeal Cancer, Nasopharyngeal carcinoma,Neoplasm, Neurinoma. Neuroblastoma, Neuroblastoma, Neurofibroma,Neuroma, Nodular melanoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma,Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Ocular oncology,Oligoastrocytoma, Oligodendroglioma, Oncocytoma, Optic nerve sheathmeningioma, Oral Cancer, Oral cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer,Osteosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Ovarian Cancer, Ovarian cancer, OvarianEpithelial Cancer, Ovarian Germ Cell Tumor, Ovarian Low MalignantPotential Tumor, Paget's disease of the breast, Pancoast tumor,Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Papillary thyroid cancer,Papillomatosis, Paraganglioma, Paranasal Sinus Cancer, ParathyroidCancer, Penile Cancer, Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, PharyngealCancer, Pheochromocytoma, Pineal Parenchymal Tumor of IntermediateDifferentiation, Pineoblastoma, Pituicytoma, Pituitary adenoma,Pituitary tumor, Plasma Cell Neoplasm, Pleuropulmonary blastoma,Polyembryoma, Precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma, Primary centralnervous system lymphoma, Primary effusion lymphoma, PrimaryHepatocellular Cancer, Primary Liver Cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer,Primitive neuroectodermal tumor, Prostate cancer, Pseudomyxomaperitonei, Rectal Cancer, Renal cell carcinoma, Respiratory TractCarcinoma Involving the NUT Gene on Chromosome 15, Retinoblastoma,Rhabdomyoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Richter's transformation, Sacrococcygealteratoma, Salivary Gland Cancer, Sarcoma, Schwannomatosis, Sebaceousgland carcinoma, Secondary neoplasm, Seminoma, Serous tumor,Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, Sex cord-stromal tumor, Sezary Syndrome,Signet ring cell carcinoma, Skin Cancer, Small blue round cell tumor,Small cell carcinoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small cell lymphoma, Smallintestine cancer, Soft tissue sarcoma, Somatostatinoma, Soot wart,Spinal Cord Tumor, Spinal tumor, Splenic marginal zone lymphoma,Squamous cell carcinoma, Stomach cancer, Superficial spreading melanoma,Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor, Surfaceepithelial-stromal tumor, Synovial sarcoma, T-cell acute lymphoblasticleukemia, T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia, T-cell leukemia,T-cell lymphoma, T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, Teratoma, Terminallymphatic cancer, Testicular cancer, Thecoma, Throat Cancer, ThymicCarcinoma, Thymoma, Thyroid cancer, Transitional Cell Cancer of RenalPelvis and Ureter, Transitional cell carcinoma, Urachal cancer, Urethralcancer, Urogenital neoplasm, Uterine sarcoma, Uveal melanoma, VaginalCancer, Verner Morrison syndrome, Verrucous carcinoma, Visual PathwayGlioma, Vulvar Cancer, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Warthin's tumor,Wilms' tumor, or any combination thereof, as well as drug resistance incancer chemotherapy and cancer chemotherapy toxicity. See, for example,Hirata T, et al, Humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonalantibody induced apoptosis of fresh and cloned human myeloma cells invitro, Leuk Res., 2003 April; 27(4):343-9, Bataille R, et al, Biologiceffects of anti-interleukin-6 murine monoclonal antibody in advancedmultiple myeloma, Blood, 1995 Jul. 15; 86 (2):685-91; Goto H, et al,Mouse anti-human interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody inhibitsproliferation of fresh human myeloma cells in vitro. 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Angelo L S, Talpaz M, Kurzrock R, Autocrine interleukin-6production in renal cell carcinoma: evidence for the involvement of p53,Cancer Res., 2002 Feb. 1; 62(3):932-40; Nishimoto N, Humanizedanti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody treatment of multicentric Castlemandisease, Blood, 2005 Oct. 15; 106(8):2627-32, Epub 2005 Jul. 5; KatsumeA, et al, Anti-interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor antibody suppressesCastleman's disease like symptoms emerged in IL-6 transgenic mice,Cytokine, 2002 Dec. 21; 20(6):304-11; Nishimoto N, et al, Improvement inCastleman's disease by humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodytherapy, Blood, 2000 Jan. 1; 95(1):56-61; Screpanti I, Inactivation ofthe IL-6 gene prevents development of multicentric Castleman's diseasein C/EBP beta-deficient mice, J Exp Med., 1996 Oct. 1; 184(4):1561-6;Hsu S M, et al, Expression of interleukin-6 in Castleman's disease, HumPathol., 1993 August; 24(8):833-9; Yoshizaki K, et al, Pathogenicsignificance of interleukin-6 (IL 6/BSF-2) in Castleman's disease,Blood, 1989 September; 74(4):1360-7; Nilsson M B, et al, Interleukin-6,secreted by human ovarian carcinoma cells, is a potent proangiogeniccytokine, Cancer Res., 2005 Dec. 1; 65(23):10794-800; Toutirais O, etal, Constitutive expression of TGF-betal, interleukin-6 andinterleukin-8 by tumor cells as a major component of immune escape inhuman ovarian carcinoma, Eur Cytokine Netw., 2003 October-December;14(4):246-55; Obata N H, et al, Effects of interleukin 6 on in vitrocell attachment, migration and invasion of human ovarian carcinoma,Anticancer Res., 1997 January-February; 17 (IA):337-42; Dedoussis G V,et al, Endogenous interleukin 6 conveys resistance tocis-diamminedichloroplatinum-mediated apoptosis of the K562 humanleukemic cell line, Exp Cell Res., 1999 Jun. 15; 249(2):269-78;Borsellino N, et al, Blocking signaling through the Gp130 receptor chainby interleukin-6 and oncostatin M inhibits PC-3 cell growth andsensitizes the tumor cells to etoposide and cisplatin-mediatedcytotoxicity, Cancer, 1999 Jan. 1; 85(1):134-44; Borsellino N, et al,Endogenous interleukin 6 is a resistance factor forcis-diamminedichloroplatinum and etoposide-mediated cytotoxicity ofhuman prostate carcinoma cell lines, Cancer Res., 1995 Oct. 15;55(20):4633-9; Mizutani Y, et al, Sensitization of human renal cellcarcinoma cells to cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) by anti-interleukin6 monoclonal antibody or anti-interleukin 6 receptor monoclonalantibody; Cancer Res., 1995 Feb. 1; 55(3):590-6; Yusuf R Z, et al,Paclitaxel resistance: molecular mechanisms and pharmacologicmanipulation, Curr Cancer Drug Targets, 2003 February; 3(1):1-19; DuanZ, et al, Overexpression of IL-6 but not IL-8 increases paclitaxelresistance of U-20S human osteosarcoma cells, Cytokine, 2002 Mar. 7;17(5):234-42; Conze D, et al, Autocrine production of interleukin 6causes multidrug resistance in breast cancer cells, Cancer Res., 2001Dec. 15; 61(24):8851-8; Rossi J F, el al, Optimizing the use ofanti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody with dexamethasone and 140 mg/m2of melphalan in multiple myeloma: results of a pilot study includingbiological aspects, Bone Marrow Transplant, 2005 November; 36(9):771-9;and Tonini G, et al, Oxaliplatin may induce cytokine-release syndrome incolorectal cancer patients, J Biol Regul Homeost Agents, 2002April-June; 16 (2): 105-9; the disclosures of each of which are hereinincorporated by reference in their entireties.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, ischemic heartdisease, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis,Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular disease, fever, acute phaseresponse, allergies, anemia, anemia of inflammation (anemia of chronicdisease), hypertension, depression, depression associated with a chronicillness, thrombosis, thrombocytosis, acute heart failure, metabolicsyndrome, miscarriage, obesity, chronic prostatitis, glomerulonephritis,pelvic inflammatory disease, reperfusion injury, and transplantrejection. See, for example, Tzoulaki I, el al, C-reactive protein,interleukin-6, and soluble adhesion molecules as predictors ofprogressive peripheral atherosclerosis in the general population:Edinburgh Artery Study, Circulation, 2005 Aug. 16; 112(7):976-83, Epub2005 Aug. 8; Rattazzi M, et al, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 invascular disease: culprits or passive bystanders?, J Hypertens., 2003October; 21(10): 1787-803; Ito T, et al, HMG-CoA reductase inhibitorsreduce interleukin-6 synthesis in human vascular smooth muscle cells,Cardiovasc Drugs Ther., 2002 March; 16(2):121-6; Stenvinkel P, et al,Mortality, malnutrition, and atherosclerosis in ESRD: what is the roleof interleukin-6?, Kidney Int Suppl., 2002 May; (80): 103-8; Yudkin J S,et al, Inflammation, obesity, stress and coronary heart disease: isinterleukin-6 the link?, Atherosclerosis, 2000 February; 148(2):209-14;Huber S A, et al, Interleukin-6 exacerbates early atherosclerosis inmice, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol., 1999 October; 19(10):2364-7; KadoS, et al, Circulating levels of interleukin-6, its soluble receptor andinterleukin-6/interleukin-6 receptor complexes in patients with type 2diabetes mellitus, Acta Diabetol., 1999 June; 36(1-2):67-72; Sukovich DA, et al, Expression of interleukin-6 in atherosclerotic lesions of maleApoE-knockout mice: inhibition by 17beta-estradiol, Arterioscler ThrombVasc Biol., 1998 September; 8(9):1498-505; Klover P J, et al,Interleukin-6 depletion selectively improves hepatic insulin action inobesity, Endocrinology, 2005 August; 146(8):3417-27, Epub 2005 Apr. 21;Lee Y H, et al, The evolving role of inflammation in obesity and themetabolic syndrome, Curr Diab Rep., 2005 February; 5(1):70-5; Diamant M,et al, The association between abdominal visceral fat and carotidstiffness is mediated by circulating inflammatory markers inuncomplicated type 2 diabetes, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 2005 March;90(3):1495-501, Epub 2004 Dec. 21; Bray G A, Medical consequences ofobesity, J Clin Endocrinol Metab., 2004 June; 89(6):2583 9; Klover P J,et al, Chronic exposure to interleukin-6 causes hepatic insulinresistance in mice, Diabetes, 2003 November; 52 (11):2784-9; Yudkin J S,et al, Inflammation, obesity, stress and coronary heart disease: isinterleukin-6 the link?, Atherosclerosis, 2000 February; 148(2):209-14;Doganci A, et al, Pathological role of IL-6 in the experimental allergicbronchial asthma in mice, Clin Rev Allergy Immunol., 2005 June;28(3):257-70; Doganci A, et al, The IL-6R alpha chain controls lungCD4+CD25+ Treg development and function during allergic airwayinflammation in vivo, J Clin Invest., 2005 February; 115(2):313 25,(Erratum in: J Clin Invest., 2005 May; 115(5):1388, Lehr, Hans A[added]); Stelmasiak Z, et al, IL 6 and sIL-6R concentration in thecerebrospinal fluid and serum of MS patients, Med Sci Monit., 2001September-October; 7(5):914-8; Tilgner J. et al, Continuousinterleukin-6 application in viva via macroencapsulation ofinterleukin-6-expressing COS-7 cells induces massive gliosis, Glia, 2001September; 35(3):234-45, Brunello A G. et al, Astrocytic alterations ininterleukin-6 Soluble interleukin-6 receptor alpha double-transgenicmice, Am J Pathol., 2000 November; 157(5):1485-93; Hampel H, et al,Pattern of interleukin-6 receptor complex immunoreactivity betweencortical regions of rapid autopsy normal and Alzheimer's disease brain,Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci., 2005 August; 255(4):269-78, Epub2004 Nov. 26; Cacquevel M. et al, Cytokines in neuroinflammation andAlzheimer's disease, Curr Drug Targets, 2004 August; 5(6):529-34;Quintanilla R A, et al, Interleukin 6 induces Alzheimer-typephosphorylation of tau protein by deregulating the cdkS/p35 pathway, ExpCell Res., 2004 Apr. 15; 295 (1):245-57; Gadient R A, et al,Interleukin-6 (IL-6)—a molecule with both beneficial and destructivepotentials, Prog Neurobiol., 1997 August; 52(5):379-90; Hull M, et al,Occurrence of interleukin-6 in cortical plaques of Alzheimer's diseasepatients may precede transformation of diffuse into neuritic plaques,Ann N Y Acad Sci., 1996 Jan. 17; 777:205-12; Rallidis L S, et al,Inflammatory markers and in-hospital mortality in acute ischaemicstroke, Atherosclerosis, 2005 Dec. 30; Emsley H C, et al, Interleukin-6and acute ischaemic stroke, Acta Neurol Scand., 2005 October;112(4):273-4; Smith C J, et al, Peak plasma interleukin-6 and otherperipheral markers of inflammation in the first week of ischaemic strokecorrelate with brain infarct volume, stroke severity and long-termoutcome, BMC Neurol., 2004 Jan. 15; 4:2; Vila N, et al, Proinflammatorycytokines and early neurological worsening in ischemic stroke, Stroke,2000 October; 31(10):2325-9; and Tarkowski E, et al, Early intrathecalproduction of interleukin-6 predicts the size of brain lesion in stroke,Stroke, 1995 August; 26(8):1393-8; the disclosures of each of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful for ameliorating orreducing the symptoms of, or treating, or preventing, diseases anddisorders associated with cytokine storm. Diseases and disordersassociated with cytokine storm include, but are not limited to, graftversus host disease (GVHD), avian influenza, smallpox, pandemicinfluenza, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), severe acuterespiratory syndrome (SARS), sepsis, and systemic inflammatory responsesyndrome (SIRS). See, for example, Cecil, R. L., Goldman, L., & Bennett,J. C. (2000). Cecil textbook of medicine. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders;Ferrara J L, el al., Cytokine storm of graft-versus-host disease: acritical effector role for interleukin-1, Transplant Proc. 1993February; 25(1 Pt 2):1216-7; Osterholm M T, Preparing for the NextPandemic, N Engl J Med. 2005 May 5; 352(18):1839-42; Huang K J, el al.,An interferon-gamma-related cytokine storm in SARS patients, J MedVirol. 2005 February; 75(2):185-94; and Cheung C Y, el al., Induction ofproinflammatory cytokines in human macrophages by influenza A (H5N1)viruses: a mechanism for the unusual severity of human disease? Lancet.2002 Dec. 7; 360(9348):1831-7.

In another embodiment of the invention, anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or fragments or variants thereof, are useful as a wakefulnessaid.

Administration

In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or IL-6 binding fragments or variants thereof, as well ascombinations of said antibody fragments or variants, are administered toa subject at a concentration of between about 0.1 and 20 mg/kg, such asabout 0.4 mg/kg, about 0.8 mg/kg, about 1.6 mg/kg, or about 4 mg/kg, ofbody weight of recipient subject. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies described herein, or IL-6 bindingfragments or variants thereof, as well as combinations of said antibodyfragments or variants, are administered to a subject at a concentrationof about 0.4 mg/kg of body weight of recipient subject. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies described herein,or IL-6 binding fragments or variants thereof, as well as combinationsof said antibody fragments or variants, are administered to a recipientsubject with a frequency of once every twenty-six weeks or less, such asonce every sixteen weeks or less, once every eight weeks or less, oronce every four weeks, or less. In another preferred embodiment of theinvention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies described herein, or IL-6 bindingfragments or variants thereof, as well as combinations thereof, areadministered to a recipient subject with a frequency at most once perperiod of approximately one week, such as at most once per period ofapproximately two weeks, such as at most once per period ofapproximately four weeks, such as at most once per period ofapproximately eight weeks, such as at most once per period ofapproximately twelve weeks, such as at most once per period ofapproximately sixteen weeks, such as at most once per period ofapproximately twenty-four weeks.

It is understood that the effective dosage may depend on recipientsubject attributes, such as, for example, age, gender, pregnancy status,body mass index, lean body mass, condition or conditions for which thecomposition is given, other health conditions of the recipient subjectthat may affect metabolism or tolerance of the composition, levels ofIL-6 in the recipient subject, and resistance to the composition (forexample, arising from the patient developing antibodies against thecomposition). A person of skill in the art would be able to determine aneffective dosage and frequency of administration through routineexperimentation, for example guided by the disclosure herein and theteachings in Goodman, L. S., Gilman, A., Brunton, L. L., Lazo, J. S., &Parker, K. L. (2006). Goodman & Gilman's the pharmacological basis oftherapeutics. New York: McGraw-Hill; Howland, R. D., Mycek, M. J.,Harvey, R. A., Champe, P. C., & Mycek, M. J. (2006). Pharmacology.Lippincott's illustrated reviews. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams &Wilkins; and Golan, D. E. (2008). Principles of pharmacology: thepathophysiologic basis of drug therapy. Philadelphia, Pa., [etc.]:Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodiesdescribed herein, or IL-6 binding fragments or variants thereof, as wellas combinations of said antibody fragments or variants, are administeredto a subject in a pharmaceutical formulation.

A “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a chemical or biologicalcomposition suitable for administration to a mammal. Such compositionsmay be specifically formulated for administration via one or more of anumber of routes, including but not limited to buccal, epicutaneous,epidural, inhalation, intraarterial, intracardial,intracerebroventricular, intradermal, intramuscular, intranasal,intraocular, intraperitoneal, intraspinal, intrathecal, intravenous,oral, parenteral, rectally via an enema or suppository, subcutaneous,subdermal, sublingual, transdermal, and transmucosal. In addition,administration can occur by means of injection, powder, liquid, gel,drops, or other means of administration.

In one embodiment of the invention, the anti-IL-6 antibodies describedherein, or IL-6 binding fragments or variants thereof, as well ascombinations of said antibody fragments or variants, may be optionallyadministered in combination with one or more active agents. Such activeagents include analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic,antiviral, and anti-cytokine agents. Active agents include agonists,antagonists, and modulators of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12,IL-13, IL-18, IFN-α, IFN-γ, BAFF, CXCL13, IP-10, VEGF, EPO, EGF, HRG,Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), Hepcidin, including antibodies reactiveagainst any of the foregoing, and antibodies reactive against any oftheir receptors. Active agents also include 2-Arylpropionic acids,Aceclofenac, Acemetacin, Acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin), Alclofenac,Alminoprofen, Amoxiprin, Ampyrone, Arylalkanoic acids, Azapropazone,Benorylate/Benorilate, Benoxaprofen, Bromfenac, Carprofen, Celecoxib,Choline magnesium salicylate, Clofezone, COX-2 inhibitors, Dexibuprofen,Dexketoprofen, Diclofenac, Diflunisal, Droxicam, Ethenzamide, Etodolac,Etoricoxib, Faislamine, fenamic acids, Fenbufen, Fenoprofen, Flufenamicacid, Flunoxaprofen, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Ibuproxam, Indometacin,Indoprofen, Kebuzone, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Lornoxicam, Loxoprofen,Lumiracoxib, Magnesium salicylate. Meclofenamic acid, Mefenamic acid,Meloxicam, Metamizole, Methyl salicylate, Mofebutazone, Nabumetone,Naproxen, N-Arylanthranilic acids, Oxametacin, Oxaprozin, Oxicams,Oxyphenbutazone, Parecoxib, Phenazone, Phenylbutazone, Phenylbutazone,Piroxicam, Pirprofen, profens, Proglumetacin, Pyrazolidine derivatives,Rofecoxib, Salicyl salicylate, Salicylamide, Salicylates,Sulfinpyrazone, Sulindac, Suprofen, Tenoxicam, Tiaprofenic acid,Tolfenamic acid, Tolmetin, and Valdecoxib. Antibiotics include Amikacin,Aminoglycosides, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Ansamycins, Arsphenamine,Azithromycin, Azlocillin, Aztreonam, Bacitracin, Carbacephem,Carbapenems, Carbenicillin, Cefaclor, Cefadroxil, Cefalexin, Cefalothin,Cefalotin, Cefamandole, Cefazolin, Cefdinir, Cefditoren, Cefepime,Cefixime, Cefoperazone, Cefotaxime, Cefoxitin, Cefpodoxime, Cefprozil,Ceftazidime, Ceflibuten, Ceftizoxime, Ceftobiprole, Ceftriaxone,Cefuroxime, Cephalosporins, Chloramphenicol, Cilastatin, Ciprofloxacin,Clarithromycin, Clindamycin, Cloxacillin, Colistin, Co-trimoxazole,Dalfopristin, Demeclocycline, Dicloxacillin, Dirithromycin, Doripenem,Doxycycline, Enoxacin, Ertapenem, Erythromycin, Ethambutol,Flucloxacillin, Fosfomycin, Furazolidone, Fusidic acid, Gatifloxacin,Geldanamycin, Gentamicin, Glycopeptides, Herbimycin, Imipenem,Isoniazid, Kanamycin, Levofloxacin, Lincomycin, Linezolid, Lomefloxacin,Loracarbef, Macrolides, Mafenide, Meropenem, Meticillin, Metronidazole,Mezlocillin, Minocycline, Monobactams, Moxifloxacin, Mupirocin,Nafcillin, Neomycin, Netilmicin, Nitrofurantoin, Norfloxacin, Ofloxacin,Oxacillin, Oxytetracycline, Paromomycin, Penicillin, Penicillins,Piperacillin, Platensimycin, Polymyxin B, Polypeptides, Prontosil,Pyrazinamide, Quinolones, Quinupristin, Rifampicin, Rifampin,Roxithromycin, Spectinomycin, Streptomycin, Sulfacetamide,Sulfamethizole, Sulfanilimide, Sulfasalazine, Sulfisoxazole,Sulfonamides, Teicoplanin, Telithromycin, Tetracycline, Tetracyclines,Ticarcillin, Tinidazole, Tobramycin, Trimethoprim,Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole, Troleandomycin, Trovafloxacin, andVancomycin. Active agents also include Aldosterone, Beclometasone,Betamethasone, Corticosteroids, Cortisol, Cortisone acetate,Deoxycorticosterone acetate, Dexamethasone, Fludrocortisone acetate,Glucocorticoids, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisolone,Prednisone, Steroids, and Triamcinolone. Antiviral agents includeabacavir, aciclovir, acyclovir, adefovir, amantadine, amprenavir, anantiretroviral fixed dose combination, an antiretroviral synergisticenhancer, arbidol, atazanavir, atripla, brivudine, cidofovir, combivir,darunavir, delavirdine, didanosine, docosanol, edoxudine, efavirenz,emtricitabine, enfuvirtide, entecavir, entry inhibitors, famciclovir,fomivirsen, fosamprenavir, foscarnet, fosfonet, fusion inhibitor,ganciclovir, gardasil, ibacitabine, idoxuridine, imiquimod, imunovir,indinavir, inosine, integrase inhibitor, interferon, interferon type I,interferon type II, interferon type III, lamivudine, lopinavir,loviride, maraviroc, MK-0518, moroxydine, nelfinavir, nevirapine,nexavir, nucleoside analogues, oseltamivir, penciclovir, peramivir,pleconaril, podophyllotoxin, protease inhibitor, reverse transcriptaseinhibitor, ribavirin, rimantadine, ritonavir, saquinavir, stavudine,tenofovir, tenofovir disoproxil, tipranavir, trifluridine, trizivir,tromantadine, truvada, valaciclovir, valganciclovir, vicriviroc,vidarabine, viramidine, zalcitabine, zanamivir, and zidovudine. Anysuitable combination of these active agents is also contemplated.

A “pharmaceutical excipient” or a “pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient” is a carrier, usually a liquid, in which an activetherapeutic agent is formulated. In one embodiment of the invention, theactive therapeutic agent is a humanized antibody described herein, orone or more fragments or variants thereof. The excipient generally doesnot provide any pharmacological activity to the formulation, though itmay provide chemical and/or biological stability, and releasecharacteristics. Exemplary formulations can be found, for example, inRemington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19^(th) Ed., Grennaro, A., Ed.,1995 which is incorporated by reference.

As used herein “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” or “excipient”includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterialand antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents that arephysiologically compatible. In one embodiment, the carrier is suitablefor parenteral administration. Alternatively, the carrier can besuitable for intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, or sublingualadministration. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterileaqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for theextemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions ordispersions. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceuticallyactive substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as anyconventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound,use thereof in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention iscontemplated. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporatedinto the compositions.

Pharmaceutical compositions typically must be sterile and stable underthe conditions of manufacture and storage. The invention contemplatesthat the pharmaceutical composition is present in lyophilized form. Thecomposition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, liposome, orother ordered structure suitable to high drug concentration. The carriercan be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water,ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquidpolyethylene glycol), and suitable mixtures thereof. The inventionfurther contemplates the inclusion of a stabilizer in the pharmaceuticalcomposition.

In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, forexample, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodiumchloride in the composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectablecompositions can be brought about by including in the composition anagent which delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts andgelatin. Moreover, the alkaline polypeptide can be formulated in a timerelease formulation, for example in a composition which includes a slowrelease polymer. The active compounds can be prepared with carriers thatwill protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlledrelease formulation, including implants and microencapsulated deliverysystems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such asethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen,polyorthoesters, polylactic acid and polylactic, polyglycolic copolymers(PLG). Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are knownto those skilled in the art.

For each of the recited embodiments, the compounds can be administeredby a variety of dosage forms. Any biologically-acceptable dosage formknown to persons of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof,are contemplated. Examples of such dosage forms include, withoutlimitation, reconstitutable powders, elixirs, liquids, solutions,suspensions, emulsions, powders, granules, particles, microparticles,dispersible granules, cachets, inhalants, aerosol inhalants, patches,particle inhalants, implants, depot implants, injectables (includingsubcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, and intradermal), infusions,and combinations thereof.

The above description of various illustrated embodiments of theinvention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention tothe precise form disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examplesfor, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes,various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of theinvention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Theteachings provided herein of the invention can be applied to otherpurposes, other than the examples described above.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove detailed description. In general, in the following claims, theterms used should not be construed to limit the invention to thespecific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims.Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but insteadthe scope of the invention is to be determined entirely by the followingclaims.

The invention may be practiced in ways other than those particularlydescribed in the foregoing description and examples. Numerousmodifications and variations of the invention are possible in light ofthe above teachings and, therefore, are within the scope of the appendedclaims.

Certain teachings related to methods for obtaining a clonal populationof antigen-specific B cells were disclosed in U.S. Provisional patentapplication No. 60/801,412, filed May 19, 2006, the disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Certain teachings related to humanization of rabbit-derived monoclonalantibodies and preferred sequence modifications to maintain antigenbinding affinity were disclosed in International application Ser. No.12/124,723, entitled “Novel Rabbit Antibody Humanization Method andHumanized Rabbit Antibodies”, filed May 21, 2008, the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Certain teachings related to producing antibodies or fragments thereofusing mating competent yeast and corresponding methods were disclosed inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/429,053, filed May 8, 2006, (U.S.Patent Application Publication No. US2006/0270045), the disclosure ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Certain teachings related to anti-IL-6 antibodies, methods of producingantibodies or fragments thereof using mating competent yeast andcorresponding methods were disclosed in U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 60/924,550, filed May 21, 2007, the disclosure of whichis herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Certain anti-IL-6 antibody polynucleotides and polypeptides aredisclosed in the sequence listing accompanying this patent applicationfiling, and the disclosure of said sequence listing is hereinincorporated by reference in its entirety.

The entire disclosure of each document cited herein (including patents,patent applications, journal articles, abstracts, manuals, books, orother disclosures) is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The following examples are put forth so as to provide those of ordinaryskill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how tomake and use the subject invention, and are not intended to limit thescope of what is regarded as the invention. Efforts have been made toensure accuracy with respect to the numbers used (e.g. amounts,temperature, concentrations, etc.) but some experimental errors anddeviations should be allowed for. Unless otherwise indicated, parts areparts by weight, molecular weight is average molecular weight,temperature is in degrees centigrade; and pressure is at or nearatmospheric.

EXAMPLES

In the following examples, the term “Ab1” refers to an antibodycontaining the light chain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 702 and the heavychain sequence of SEQ ID NO: 704, except where the context indicatesotherwise.

Example 1 Production of Enriched Antigen-Specific B Cell AntibodyCulture

Panels of antibodies are derived by immunizing traditional antibody hostanimals to exploit the native immune response to a target antigen ofinterest. Typically, the host used for immunization is a rabbit or otherhost that produces antibodies using a similar maturation process andprovides for a population of antigen-specific B cells producingantibodies of comparable diversity, e.g., epitopic diversity. Theinitial antigen immunization can be conducted using complete Freund'sadjuvant (CFA), and the subsequent boosts effected with incompleteadjuvant. At about 50-60 days after immunization, preferably at day 55,antibody titers are tested, and the Antibody Selection (ABS) process isinitiated if appropriate titers are established. The two key criteriafor ABS initiation are potent antigen recognition and function-modifyingactivity in the polyclonal sera.

At the time positive antibody titers are established, animals aresacrificed and B cell sources isolated. These sources include: thespleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs). Single cell suspensions are generated, and the cell suspensionsare washed to make them compatible for low temperature long termstorage. The cells are then typically frozen.

To initiate the antibody identification process, a small fraction of thefrozen cell suspensions are thawed, washed, and placed in tissue culturemedia. These suspensions are then mixed with a biotinylated form of theantigen that was used to generate the animal immune response, andantigen-specific cells are recovered using the Miltenyi magnetic beadcell selection methodology. Specific enrichment is conducted usingstreptavidin beads. The enriched population is recovered and progressedin the next phase of specific B cell isolation.

Example 2 Production of Clonal, Antigen-Specific B Cell-ContainingCulture

Enriched B cells produced according to Example 1 are then plated atvarying cell densities per well in a 96 well microtiter plate.Generally, this is at 50, 100, 250, or 500 cells per well with 10 platesper group. The media is supplemented with 4% activated rabbit T cellconditioned media along with 50K frozen irradiated EL4B feeder cells.These cultures are left undisturbed for 5-7 days at which timesupernatant-containing secreted antibody is collected and evaluated fortarget properties in a separate assay setting. The remaining supernatantis left intact, and the plate is frozen at −70° C. Under theseconditions, the culture process typically results in wells containing amixed cell population that comprises a clonal population ofantigen-specific B cells, i.e., a single well will only contain a singlemonoclonal antibody specific to the desired antigen.

Example 3 Screening of Antibody Supernatants for Monoclonal Antibody ofDesired Specificity and/or Functional Properties

Antibody-containing supernatants derived from the well containing aclonal antigen-specific B cell population produced according to Example2 are initially screened for antigen recognition using ELISA methods.This includes selective antigen immobilization (e.g., biotinylatedantigen capture by streptavidin coated plate), non-specific antigenplate coating, or alternatively, through an antigen build-up strategy(e.g., selective antigen capture followed by binding partner addition togenerate a heteromeric protein-antigen complex). Antigen-positive wellsupernatants are then optionally tested in a function-modifying assaythat is strictly dependant on the ligand. One such example is an invitro protein-protein interaction assay that recreates the naturalinteraction of the antigen ligand with recombinant receptor protein.Alternatively, a cell-based response that is ligand dependent and easilymonitored (e.g., proliferation response) is utilized. Supernatant thatdisplays significant antigen recognition and potency is deemed apositive well. Cells derived from the original positive well are thentransitioned to the antibody recovery phase.

Example 4 Recovery of Single, Antibody-Producing B Cell of DesiredAntigen Specificity

Cells are isolated from a well that contains a clonal population ofantigen-specific B cells (produced according to Example 2 or 3), whichsecrete a single antibody sequence. The isolated cells are then assayedto isolate a single, antibody-secreting cell. Dynal streptavidin beadsare coated with biotinylated target antigen under buffered medium toprepare antigen-containing microbeads compatible with cell viability.Next antigen-loaded beads, antibody-producing cells from the positivewell, and a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled anti-host H&L IgGantibody (as noted, the host can be any mammalian host, e.g., rabbit,mouse, rat, etc.) are incubated together at 37° C. This mixture is thenre-pipetted in aliquots onto a glass slide such that each aliquot has onaverage a single, antibody-producing B-cell. The antigen-specific,antibody-secreting cells are then detected through fluorescencemicroscopy. Secreted antibody is locally concentrated onto the adjacentbeads due to the bound antigen and provides localization informationbased on the strong fluorescent signal. Antibody-secreting cells areidentified via FITC detection of antibody-antigen complexes formedadjacent to the secreting cell. The single cell found in the center ofthis complex is then recovered using a micromanipulator. The cell issnap-frozen in an eppendorf PCR tube for storage at −80° C. untilantibody sequence recovery is initiated.

Example 5 Isolation of Antibody Sequences from Antigen-Specific B Cell

Antibody sequences are recovered using a combined RT-PCR based methodfrom a single isolated B-cell produced according to Example 4 or anantigenic specific B cell isolated from the clonal B cell populationobtained according to Example 2. Primers are designed to anneal inconserved and constant regions of the target immunoglobulin genes (heavyand light), such as rabbit immunoglobulin sequences, and a two-stepnested PCR recovery step is used to obtain the antibody sequence.Amplicons from each well are analyzed for recovery and size integrity.The resulting fragments are then digested with AluI to fingerprint thesequence clonality. Identical sequences display a common fragmentationpattern in their electrophoretic analysis. Significantly, this commonfragmentation pattern which proves cell clonality is generally observedeven in the wells originally plated up to 1000 cells/well. The originalheavy and light chain amplicon fragments are then restriction enzymedigested with HindII and XhoI or HindIII and BsiWI to prepare therespective pieces of DNA for cloning. The resulting digestions are thenligated into an expression vector and transformed into bacteria forplasmid propagation and production. Colonies are selected for sequencecharacterization.

Example 6 Recombinant Production of Monoclonal Antibody of DesiredAntigen Specificity and/or Functional Properties

Correct full-length antibody sequences for each well containing a singlemonoclonal antibody is established and miniprep DNA is prepared usingQiagen solid-phase methodology. This DNA is then used to transfectmammalian cells to produce recombinant full-length antibody. Crudeantibody product is tested for antigen recognition and functionalproperties to confirm the original characteristics are found in therecombinant antibody protein. Where appropriate, large-scale transientmammalian transfections are completed, and antibody is purified throughProtein A affinity chromatography. Kd is assessed using standard methods(e.g., Biacore) as well as IC50 in a potency assay.

Example 7 Preparation of Antibodies that Bind Human IL-6

By using the antibody selection protocol described herein, one cangenerate an extensive panel of antibodies. The antibodies have highaffinity towards IL-6 (single to double digit pM Kd) and demonstratepotent antagonism of IL-6 in multiple cell-based screening systems(T1165 and HepG2). Furthermore, the collection of antibodies displaydistinct modes of antagonism toward IL-6-driven processes.

Immunization Strategy

Rabbits were immunized with huIL-6 (R&R). Immunization consisted of afirst subcutaneous (sc) injection of 100 g in complete Freund's adjuvant(CFA) (Sigma) followed by two boosts, two weeks apart, of 50 μg each inincomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) (Sigma). Animals were bled on day 55,and serum titers were determined by ELISA (antigen recognition) and bynon-radioactive proliferation assay (Promega) using the T1165 cell line.

Antibody Selection Titer Assessment

Antigen recognition was determined by coating Immulon 4 plates (Thermo)with 1 μg/ml of huIL-6 (50 μl/well) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS,Hyclone) overnight at 4° C. On the day of the assay, plates were washed3 times with PBS/Tween 20 (PBST tablets, Calbiochem). Plates were thenblocked with 200 μl/well of 0.5% fish skin gelatin (FSG, Sigma) in PBSfor 30 minutes at 37° C. Blocking solution was removed, and plates wereblotted. Serum samples were made (bleeds and pre-bleeds) at a startingdilution of 1:100 (all dilutions were made in FSG 50 μl/well) followedby 1:10 dilutions across the plate (column 12 was left blank forbackground control). Plates were incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C.Plates were washed 3 times with PBS/Tween 20. Goat anti-rabbit FC-HRP(Pierce) diluted 1:5000 was added to all wells (50 μl/well), and plateswere incubated for 30 minutes at 37° C. Plates were washed as describedabove. 50 pd/well of TMB-Stable stop (Fitzgerald Industries) was addedto plates, and color was allowed to develop, generally for 3 to 5minutes. The development reaction was stopped with 50 μl/well 0.5 M HCl.Plates were read at 450 nm. Optical density (OD) versus dilution wasplotted using Graph Pad Prizm software, and titers were determined.

Functional Titer Assessment

The functional activity of the samples was determined by a T1165proliferation assay. T1165 cells were routinely maintained in modifiedRPMI medium (Hyclone) supplemented with Hepes, sodium pyruvate, sodiumbicarbonate, L-glutamine, high glucose, penicillin/streptomycin, 10%heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) (all supplements fromHyclone), 2-mercaptoethanol (Sigma), and 10 ng/ml of huIL-6 (R&D). Onthe day of the assay, cell viability was determined by trypan blue(Invitrogen), and cells were seeded at a fixed density of 20,000cells/well. Prior to seeding, cells were washed twice in the mediumdescribed above without human-IL-6 (by centrifuging at 13000 rpm for 5minutes and discarding the supernatant). After the last wash, cells wereresuspended in the same medium used for washing in a volume equivalentto 50 μl/well. Cells were set aside at room temperature.

In a round-bottom, 96-well plate (Costar), serum samples were addedstarting at 1:100, followed by a 1:10 dilution across the plate (columns2 to 10) at 30 μl/well in replicates of 5 (rows B to F: dilution made inthe medium described above with no huIL-6). Column 11 was medium onlyfor IL-6 control. 30 μl/well of huIL-6 at 4× concentration of the finalEC50 (concentration previously determined) were added to all wells(huIL-6 was diluted in the medium described above). Wells were incubatedfor 1 hour at 37° C. to allow antibody binding to occur. After 1 hour,50 pd/well of antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) complex were transferred to aflat-bottom, 96-well plate (Costar) following the plate map format laidout in the round-bottom plate. On Row G, 50 μl/well of medium were addedto all wells (columns 2 to 11) for background control. 50 μl/well of thecell suspension set aside were added to all wells (columns 2 to 11, rowsB to G). On Columns 1 and 12 and on rows A and H, 200 μl/well of mediumwas added to prevent evaporation of test wells and to minimize edgeeffect. Plates were incubated for 72 h at 37° C. in 4% CO2. At 72 h, 20μl/well of CellTiter96 (Promega) reagents was added to all test wellsper manufacturer protocol, and plates were incubated for 2 h at 37° C.At 2 h, plates were gently mixed on an orbital shaker to disperse cellsand to allow homogeneity in the test wells. Plates were read at 490 nmwavelength. Optical density (OD) versus dilution was plotted using GraphPad Prizm software, and functional titer was determined. A positiveassay control plate was conducted as described above using MAB2061 (R&DSystems) at a starting concentration of 1 μg/ml (final concentration)followed by 1:3 dilutions across the plate.

Tissue Harvesting

Once acceptable titers were established, the rabbit(s) were sacrificed.Spleen, lymph nodes, and whole blood were harvested and processed asfollows:

Spleen and lymph nodes were processed into a single cell suspension bydisassociating the tissue and pushing through sterile wire mesh at 70 μm(Fisher) with a plunger of a 20 cc syringe. Cells were collected in themodified RPMI medium described above without huIL-6, but with lowglucose. Cells were washed twice by centrifugation. After the last wash,cell density was determined by trypan blue. Cells were centrifuged at1500 rpm for 10 minutes; the supernatant was discarded. Cells wereresuspended in the appropriate volume of 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO,Sigma) in FBS (Hyclone) and dispensed at 1 ml/vial. Vials were thenstored at −70° C. for 24 h prior to being placed in a liquid nitrogen(LN2) tank for long-term storage.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated by mixing wholeblood with equal parts of the low glucose medium described above withoutFBS. 35 ml of the whole blood mixture was carefully layered onto 8 ml ofLympholyte Rabbit (Cedarlane) into a 45 ml conical tube (Corning) andcentrifuged 30 minutes at 2500 rpm at room temperature without brakes.After centrifugation, the PBMC layers were carefully removed using aglass Pasteur pipette (VWR), combined, and placed into a clean 50 mlvial. Cells were washed twice with the modified medium described aboveby centrifugation at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes at room temperature, andcell density was determined by trypan blue staining. After the lastwash, cells were resuspended in an appropriate volume of 10% DMSO/FBSmedium and frozen as described above.

B Cell Culture

On the day of setting up B cell culture, PBMC, splenocyte, or lymph nodevials were thawed for use. Vials were removed from LN2 tank and placedin a 37° C. water bath until thawed. Contents of vials were transferredinto 15 ml conical centrifuge tube (Corning) and 10 ml of modified RPMIdescribed above was slowly added to the tube. Cells were centrifuged for5 minutes at 1.5K rpm, and the supernatant was discarded. Cells wereresuspended in 10 ml of fresh media. Cell density and viability wasdetermined by trypan blue. Cells were washed again and resuspended at1E07 cells/80 ul medium. Biotinylated huIL-6 (B huIL-6) was added to thecell suspension at the final concentration of 3 μg/mL and incubated for30 minutes at 4° C. Unbound B huIL-6 was removed with two 10 ml washesof phosphate-buffered (PBF):Ca/Mg free PBS (Hyclone), 2 mMethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), 0.5% bovine serum albumin (BSA)(Sigma-biotin free). After the second wash, cells were resuspended at1E07 cells/80 μl PBF. 20 μl of MACS® streptavidin beads (Milteni)/10E7cells were added to the cell suspension. Cells were incubated at 4° C.for 15 minutes. Cells were washed once with 2 ml of PBF/10E7 cells.After washing, the cells were resuspended at 1E08 cells/500 μl of PBFand set aside. A MACS® MS column (Milteni) was pre-rinsed with 500 ml ofPBF on a magnetic stand (Milteni). Cell suspension was applied to thecolumn through a pre-filter, and unbound fraction was collected. Thecolumn was washed with 1.5 ml of PBF buffer. The column was removed fromthe magnet stand and placed onto a clean, sterile 5 ml PolypropyleneFalcon tube. 1 ml of PBF buffer was added to the top of the column, andpositive selected cells were collected. The yield and viability ofpositive and negative cell fraction was determined by trypan bluestaining. Positive selection yielded an average of 1% of the startingcell concentration.

A pilot cell screen was established to provide information on seedinglevels for the culture. Three 10-plate groups (a total of 30 plates)were seeded at 50, 100, and 200 enriched B cells/well. In addition, eachwell contained 50K cells/well of irradiated EL-4.B5 cells (5,000 Rads)and an appropriate level of T cell supernatant (ranging from 1-5%depending on preparation) in high glucose modified RPMI medium at afinal volume of 250 i/well. Cultures were incubated for 5 to 7 days at37° C. in 4% CO2.

Identification of Selective Antibody Secreting B Cells

Cultures were tested for antigen recognition and functional activitybetween days 5 and 7.

Antigen Recognition Screening

The ELISA format used is as described above except 50 μl of supernatantfrom the B cell cultures (BCC) wells (all 30 plates) was used as thesource of the antibody. The conditioned medium was transferred toantigen-coated plates. After positive wells were identified, thesupernatant was removed and transferred to a 96-well master plate(s).The original culture plates were then frozen by removing all thesupernatant except 40 μl/well and adding 60 μl/well of 16% DMSO in FBS.Plates were wrapped in paper towels to slow freezing and placed at −70°C.

Functional Activity Screening

Master plates were then screened for functional activity in the T1165proliferation assay as described before, except row B was media only forbackground control, row C was media+IL-6 for positive proliferationcontrol, and rows D-G and columns 2-11 were the wells from the BCC (50μl/well, single points). 40 μl of IL-6 was added to all wells except themedia row at 2.5 times the EC50 concentration determined for the assay.After 1 h incubation, the Ab/Ag complex was transferred to a tissueculture (TC) treated, 96-well, flat-bottom plate. 20 μl of cellsuspension in modified RPMI medium without huIL-6 (TI 165 at 20,000cells/well) was added to all wells (100 μl final volume per well).Background was subtracted, and observed OD values were transformed into% of inhibition.

B Cell Recovery

Plates containing wells of interest were removed from −70° C., and thecells from each well were recovered with 5-200 μl washes of medium/well.The washes were pooled in a 1.5 ml sterile centrifuge tube, and cellswere pelleted for 2 minutes at 1500 rpm.

The tube was inverted, the spin repeated, and the supernatant carefullyremoved. Cells were resuspended in 100 μl/tube of medium. 100 μlbiotinylated IL-6 coated streptavidin M280 dynabeads (Invitrogen) and 16μl of goat anti-rabbit H&L IgG-FITC diluted 1:100 in medium was added tothe cell suspension.

20 μl of cell/beads/FITC suspension was removed, and 5 μl droplets wereprepared on a glass slide (Corning) previously treated with Sigmacote(Sigma), 35 to 40 droplets/slide. An impermeable barrier of parafin oil(JT Baker) was added to submerge the droplets, and the slide wasincubated for 90 minutes at 37° C., 4% CO2 in the dark.

Specific B cells that produce antibody can be identified by thefluorescent ring around them due to antibody secretion, recognition ofthe bead-associated biotinylated antigen, and subsequent detection bythe fluorescent-IgG detection reagent. Once a cell of interest wasidentified, the cell in the center of the fluorescent ring was recoveredvia a micromanipulator (Eppendorf). The single cell synthesizing andexporting the antibody was transferred into a 250 μl microcentrifugetube and placed in dry ice. After recovering all cells of interest,these were transferred to −70° C. for long-term storage.

Example 8 Yeast Cell Expression

Antibody Genes:

Genes were cloned and constructed that directed the synthesis of achimeric humanized rabbit monoclonal antibody.

Expression Vector:

The vector contains the following functional components: 1) a mutantColE1 origin of replication, which facilitates the replication of theplasmid vector in cells of the bacterium Escherichia coli; 2) abacterial Sh ble gene, which confers resistance to the antibiotic Zeocinand serves as the selectable marker for transformations of both E. coliand P. pastoris; 3) an expression cassette composed of theglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase gene (GAP gene) promoter, fused tosequences encoding the Saccharomyces cerevisiae alpha mating factor prepro secretion leader sequence, followed by sequences encoding a P.pastoris transcriptional termination signal from the P. pastoris alcoholoxidase I gene (AOX1). The Zeocin resistance marker gene provides ameans of enrichment for strains that contain multiple integrated copiesof an expression vector in a strain by selecting for transformants thatare resistant to higher levels of Zeocin.

P. pastoris Strains:

P. pastoris strains met1, lys3, ura3 and ade1 may be used. Although anytwo complementing sets of auxotrophic strains could be used for theconstruction and maintenance of diploid strains, these two strains areespecially suited for this method for two reasons. First, they grow moreslowly than diploid strains that are the result of their mating orfusion. Thus, if a small number of haploid ade1 or ura3 cells remainpresent in a culture or arise through meiosis or other mechanism, thediploid strain should outgrow them in culture.

The second is that it is easy to monitor the sexual state of thesestrains since diploid Ade+ colonies arising from their mating are anormal white or cream color, whereas cells of any strains that arehaploid ade1 mutants will form a colony with a distinct pink color. Inaddition, any strains that are haploid ura3 mutants are resistant to thedrug 5-fluoro-orotic acid (FOA) and can be sensitively identified byplating samples of a culture on minimal medium+uracil plates with FOA.On these plates, only uracil-requiring ura3 mutant (presumably haploid)strains can grow and form colonies. Thus, with haploid parent strainsmarked with ade1 and ura3, one can readily monitor the sexual state ofthe resulting antibody-producing diploid strains (haploid versusdiploid).

Methods

Construction of pGAPZ-Alpha Expression Vectors for Transcription ofLight and Heavy Chain Antibody Genes.

The humanized light and heavy chain fragments were cloned into the pGAPZexpression vectors through a PCR directed process. The recoveredhumanized constructs were subjected to amplification under standard KODpolymerase (Novagen) kit conditions ((1) 94° C., 2 minutes; (2) 94° C.,30 seconds (3) 55° C., 30 seconds; (4) 72° C., 30 seconds-cyclingthrough steps 2-4 for 35 times; (5) 72° C. 2 minutes) employing thefollowing primers (1) light chain forwardAGCGCTTATTCCGCTATCCAGATGACCCAGTC (SEQ ID NO:736)—the AfeI site is singleunderlined. The end of the HSA signal sequence is double underlined,followed by the sequence for the mature variable light chain (notunderlined); the reverse CGTACGTTGATTTCCACCTTG (SEQ ID NO:737).

Variable light chain reverse primer. BsiWI site is underlined, followedby the reverse complement for the 3′ end of the variable light chain.Upon restriction enzyme digest with AfeI and BsiWI this enable insertionin-frame with the pGAPZ vector using the human HAS leader sequence inframe with the human kapp light chain constant region for export. (2) Asimilar strategy is performed for the heavy chain. The forward primeremployed is AGCGCTTATTCCGAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTC (SEQ ID NO:738). The AfeIsite is single underlined. The end of the HSA signal sequence is doubleunderlined, followed by the sequence for the mature variable heavy chain(not underlined). The reverse heavy chain primer is CTCGAGACGGTGACGAGGGT(SEQ ID NO:739). The XhoI site is underlined, followed by the reversecomplement for the 3′ end of the variable heavy chain. This enablescloning of the heavy chain in-frame with IgG-γ1 CH1-CH2-CH3 regionprevious inserted within pGAPZ using a comparable directional cloningstrategy.

Transformation of Expression Vectors into Haploid Ade1 Ura3, Met1 andLys3 Host Strains of P. pastoris.

All methods used for transformation of haploid P. pastoris strains andgenetic manipulation of the P. pastoris sexual cycle are as described inHiggins, D. R., and Cregg, J. M., Eds. 1998. Pichia Protocols. Methodsin Molecular Biology. Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.

Prior to transformation, each expression vector is linearized within theGAP promoter sequences with AvrII to direct the integration of thevectors into the GAP promoter locus of the P. pastoris genome. Samplesof each vector are then individually transformed into electrocompetentcultures of the ade1, ura3, met1 and lys3 strains by electroporation andsuccessful transformants are selected on YPD Zeocin plates by theirresistance to this antibiotic. Resulting colonies are selected, streakedfor single colonies on YPD Zeocin plates and then examined for thepresence of the antibody gene insert by a PCR assay on genomic DNAextracted from each strain for the proper antibody gene insert and/or bythe ability of each strain to synthesize an antibody chain by a colonylift/immunoblot method (Wung et al. Biotechniques 21 808-812 (1996).Haploid ade1, met1 and lys3 strains expressing one of the three heavychain constructs are collected for diploid constructions along withhaploid ura3 strain expressing light chain gene. The haploid expressingheavy chain genes are mated with the appropriate light chain haploidura3 to generate diploid secreting protein.

Mating of haploid strains synthesizing a single antibody chain andselection of diploid derivatives synthesizing tetrameric functionalantibodies. To mate P. pastoris haploid strains, each ade1 (or met1 orlys3) heavy chain producing strain to be crossed is streaked across arich YPD plate and the ura3 light chain producing strain is streakedacross a second YPD plate (˜10 streaks per plate). After one or two daysincubation at 30° C., cells from one plate containing heavy chainstrains and one plate containing ura3 light chain strains aretransferred to a sterile velvet cloth on a replica-plating block in across hatched pattern so that each heavy chain strain contain a patch ofcells mixed with each light chain strain. The cross-streaked replicaplated cells are then transferred to a mating plate and incubated at 25°C. to stimulate the initiation of mating between strains. After twodays, the cells on the mating plates are transferred again to a sterilevelvet on a replica-plating block and then transferred to minimal mediumplates. These plates are incubated at 30° C. for three days to allow forthe selective growth of colonies of prototrophic diploid strains.Colonies that arose are picked and streaked onto a second minimal mediumplate to single colony isolate and purify each diploid strain. Theresulting diploid cell lines are then examined for antibody production.

Putative diploid strains are tested to demonstrate that they are diploidand contain both expression vectors for antibody production. Fordiploidy, samples of a strain are spread on mating plates to stimulatethem to go through meiosis and form spores. Haploid spore products arecollected and tested for phenotype. If a significant percentage of theresulting spore products are single or double auxotrophs it may beconcluded that the original strain must have been diploid. Diploidstrains are examined for the presence of both antibody genes byextracting genomic DNA from each and utilizing this DNA in PCR reactionsspecific for each gene.

Fusion of haploid strains synthesizing a single antibody chain andselection of diploid derivatives synthesizing tetrameric functionalantibodies. As an alternative to the mating procedure described above,individual cultures of single-chain antibody producing haploid ade1 andura3 strains are spheroplasted and their resulting spheroplasts fusedusing polyethylene glycol/CaCl₂. The fused haploid strains are thenembedded in agar containing 1 M sorbitol and minimal medium to allowdiploid strains to regenerate their cell wall and grow into visiblecolonies. Resulting colonies are picked from the agar, streaked onto aminimal medium plate, and the plates are incubated for two days at 30°C. to generate colonies from single cells of diploid cell lines. Theresulting putative diploid cell lines are then examined for diploidy andantibody production as described above.

Purification and analysis of antibodies. A diploid strain for theproduction of full length antibody is derived through the mating of met1light chain and lys3 heavy chain using the methods described above.Culture media from shake-flask or fermenter cultures of diploid P.pastoris expression strains are collected and examined for the presenceof antibody protein via SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting using antibodiesdirected against heavy and light chains of human IgG, or specificallyagainst the heavy chain of IgG.

To purify the yeast secreted antibodies, clarified media from antibodyproducing cultures are passed through a protein A column and afterwashing with 20 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.0, binding buffer, protein Abound protein is eluted using 0.1 M glycine HCl buffer, pH 3.0.Fractions containing the most total protein are examined by Coomasieblue strained SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting for antibody protein. Antibodyis characterized using the ELISA described above for IL-6 recognition.

Assay for Antibody Activity.

The recombinant yeast-derived humanized antibody is evaluated forfunctional activity through the IL-6 driven T1165 cell proliferationassay and IL-6 stimulated HepG2 haptoglobin assay described above.

Example 9 Acute Phase Response Neutralization by IntravenousAdministration of Anti-IL-6 Antibody Ab1

Human IL-6 can provoke an acute phase response in rats, and one of themajor acute phase proteins that is stimulated in the rat is α-2macroglobulin (A2M). A study was designed to assess the dose of antibodyAb1 required to ablate the A2M response to a single s.c. injection of100 μg of human IL-6 given one hour after different doses (0.03, 0.1,0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg) of antibody Ab1 administered intravenously (n=10rats/dose level) or polyclonal human IgG1 as the control (n=10 rats).Plasma was recovered and the A2M was quantitated via a commercialsandwich ELISA kit (ICL Inc., Newberg Oreg.; cat. no.-E-25A2M). Theendpoint was the difference in the plasma concentration of A2M at the 24hour time point (post-Ab1). The results are presented in FIG. 4.

The ID50 for antibody Ab1 was 0.1 mg/kg with complete suppression of theA2M response at the 0.3 mg/kg. This firmly establishes in vivoneutralization of human IL-6 can be accomplished by antibody Ab1.

Example 10 RXF393 Cachexia Model Study 1 Introduction

The human renal cell cancer cell line, RXF393 produces profound weightloss when transplanted into athymic nude mice. Weight loss begins aroundday 15 after transplantation with 80% of all animals losing at least 30%of their total body weight by day 18-20 after transplantation. RXF393secretes human IL-6 and the plasma concentration of human IL-6 in theseanimals is very high at around 10 ng/mi. Human IL-6 can bind murinesoluble IL-6 receptor and activate IL-6 responses in the mouse. HumanIL-6 is approximately 10 times less potent than murine IL-6 atactivating IL-6 responses in the mouse. The objectives of this studywere to determine the effect of antibody Ab1, on survival, body weight,serum amyloid A protein, hematology parameters, and tumor growth inathymic nude mice transplanted with the human renal cell cancer cellline, RXF393.

Methods

Eighty, 6 week old, male athymic nude mice were implanted with RXF393tumor fragments (30-40 mg) subcutaneously in the right flank. Animalswere then divided into eight groups of ten mice. Three groups were giveneither antibody Ab1 at 3 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg intravenouslyweekly on day 1, day 8, day 15 and day 22 after transplantation(progression groups). Another three groups were given either antibodyAb1 at 3 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg intravenously weekly on day 8,day 15 and day 22 after transplantation (regression groups). Finally,one control group was given polyclonal human IgG 30 mg/kg and a secondcontrol group was given phosphate buffered saline intravenously weeklyon day 1, day 8, day 15 and day 22 after transplantation.

Animals were euthanized at either day 28, when the tumor reached 4,000mm³ or if they became debilitated (>30% loss of body weight). Animalswere weighed on days 1, 6 and then daily from days 9 to 28 aftertransplantation. Mean Percent Body Weight (MPBW) was used as the primaryparameter to monitor weight loss during the study. It was calculated asfollows: (Body Weight−Tumor Weight)/Baseline Body Weight×100. Tumorweight was measured on days 1, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 22, 25 and 28 aftertransplantation. Blood was taken under anesthesia from five mice in eachgroup on days 5 and 13 and all ten mice in each group when euthanized(day 28 in most cases). Blood was analyzed for hematology and serumamyloid A protein (SAA) concentration. An additional group of 10non-tumor bearing 6 week old, athymic nude male mice had blood samplestaken for hematology and SAA concentration estimation to act as abaseline set of values.

Results—Survival

No animals were euthanized or died in any of the antibody Ab1 groupsprior to the study termination date of day 28. In the two controlgroups, 15 animals (7/9 in the polyclonal human IgG group and 8/10 inthe phosphate buffered saline group) were found dead or were euthanizedbecause they were very debilitated (>30% loss of body weight). Mediansurvival time in both control groups was 20 days.

The survival curves for the two control groups and the antibody Ab1progression (dosed from day 1 of the study) groups are presented in FIG.5.

The survival curves for the two control groups and the antibody Ab1regression (dosed from day 8 of the study) groups are presented in FIG.6.

There was a statistically significant difference between the survivalcurves for the polyclonal human IgG (p=0.0038) and phosphate bufferedsaline (p=0.0003) control groups and the survival curve for the sixantibody Ab1 groups. There was no statistically significant differencebetween the two control groups (p=0.97).

Results—Tumor Size

Tumor size in surviving mice was estimated by palpation. For the first15 days of the study, none of the mice in any group were found dead orwere euthenized, and so comparison of tumor sizes between groups onthese days was free from sampling bias. No difference in tumor size wasobserved between the antibody Ab1 progression or regression groups andthe control groups through day 15. Comparison of the tumor size betweensurviving mice in the control and treatment groups subsequent to theonset of mortality in the controls (on day 15) was not undertakenbecause tumor size the surviving control mice was presumed to be biasedand accordingly the results of such comparison would not be meaningful.

As administration of antibody Ab1 promoted survival without any apparentreduction in tumor size, elevated serum IL-6 may contribute to mortalitythrough mechanisms independent of tumor growth. These observationssupports the hypothesis that antibody Ab1 can promote cancer patientsurvivability without directly affecting tumor growth, possibly byenhancing general patient well-being.

Results—Weight Loss

Mean Percent Body Weight (MPBW) (±SEM) versus time is shown in FIG. 27.Compared to controls, mice dosed with Ab1 were protected from weightloss. On day 18, MPBW in control mice was 75%, corresponding to anaverage weight loss of 25%. In contrast, on the same day, MPBW in Ab-1treatment groups was minimally changed (between 97% and 103%). There wasa statistically significant difference between the MPBW curves for thecontrols (receiving polyclonal human IgG or PBS) and the 10 mg/kg dosagegroup (p<0.0001) or 3 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg dosage groups (p<0.0005). Therewas no statistically significant difference between the two controlgroups.

Representative photographs of control and Ab1-treated mice (FIG. 28)illustrate the emaciated condition of the control mice, compared to thenormal appearance of the Ab1-treated mouse, at the end of the study(note externally visible tumor sites in right flank).

These results suggest that Ab1 may be useful to prevent or treatcachexia caused by elevated IL-6 in humans.

Results—Plasma Serum Amyloid A

The mean (±SEM) plasma serum amyloid A concentration versus time for thetwo control groups and the antibody Ab1 progression (dosed from day 1 ofthe study) and regression (dosed from day 8 of the study) groups arepresented in Table 5 and graphically in FIG. 32.

TABLE 5 Mean Plasma SAA - antibody Ab1, all groups versus control groupsMean Plasma Mean Plasma Mean Plasma SAA ± SEM SAA ± SEM Day 5 SAA ± SEMDay 13 Terminal Bleed (μg/ml) (μg/ml) (μg/ml) Polyclonal IgG iv 675 ±240 (n = 5) 3198 ± 628 (n = 4) 13371 ± 2413 (n = 4)   weekly from day 1PBS iv weekly 355 ± 207 (n = 5) 4844 ± 1126 (n = 5)  15826 ± 802 (n =3)   from day 1 Ab1 30 mg/kg iv 246 ± 100 (n = 5) 2979 ± 170 (n = 5) 841± 469 (n = 10) weekly from day 1 Ab1 10 mg/kg iv 3629 ± 624 (n = 5) 3096 ± 690 (n = 5) 996 ± 348 (n = 10) weekly from day 1 Ab1 3 mg/kg iv 106 ± 9 (n = 5) 1623 ± 595 (n = 4) 435 ± 70 (n = 9) weekly from day 1Ab1 30 mg/kg iv 375 ± 177 (n = 5) 1492 ± 418 (n = 4) 498 ± 83 (n = 9)weekly from day 8 Ab1 10 mg/kg iv 487 ± 170 (n = 5) 1403 ± 187 (n = 5) 396 ± 58 (n = 10) weekly from day 8 Ab1 3 mg/kg iv 1255 ± 516 (n = 5)  466 ± 157 (n = 5) 685 ± 350 (n = 5)  weekly from day 8

SAA is up-regulated via the stimulation of hIL-6 and this response isdirectly correlated with circulating levels of hIL-6 derived from theimplanted tumor. The surrogate marker provides an indirect readout foractive hIL-6. Thus in the two treatment groups described above there aresignificantly decreased levels of SAA due to the neutralization oftumor-derived hIL-6. This further supports the contention that antibodyAb1 displays in vivo efficacy.

Example 11 RXF393 Cachexia Model Study 2 Introduction

A second study was performed in the RXF-393 cachexia model wheretreatment with antibody Ab1 was started at a later stage (days 10 and 13post-transplantation) and with a more prolonged treatment phase (out to49 days post transplantation). The dosing interval with antibody Ab1 wasshortened to 3 days from 7 and also daily food consumption was measured.There was also an attempt to standardize the tumor sizes at the time ofinitiating dosing with antibody Ab1.

Methods

Eighty, 6 week old, male athymic nude mice were implanted with RXF393tumor fragments (30-40 mg) subcutaneously in the right flank. 20 micewere selected whose tumors had reached between 270-320 mg in size anddivided into two groups. One group received antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kgi.v. every three days and the other group received polyclonal human IgG10 mg/kg every 3 days from that time-point (day 10 aftertransplantation). Another 20 mice were selected when their tumor sizehad reached 400-527 mg in size and divided into two groups. One groupreceived antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kg i.v. every three days and the othergroup received polyclonal human IgG 10 mg/kg every 3 days from thattime-point (day 13 after transplantation). The remaining 40 mice took nofurther part in the study and were euthanized at either day 49, when thetumor reached 4,000 mm³ or if they became very debilitated (>30% loss ofbody weight).

Animals were weighed every 3-4 days from day 1 to day 49 aftertransplantation. Mean Percent Body Weight (MPBW) was used as the primaryparameter to monitor weight loss during the study. It was calculated asfollows: ((Body Weight−Tumor Weight)/Baseline Body Weight)×100. Tumorweight was measured every 3-4 days from day 5 to day 49 aftertransplantation. Food consumption was measured (amount consumed in 24hours by weight (g) by each treatment group) every day from day 10 forthe 270-320 mg tumor groups and day 13 for the 400-527 mg tumor groups.

Results—Survival

The survival curves for antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kg i.v. every three days(270-320 mg tumor size) and for the polyclonal human IgG 10 mg/kg i.v.every three days (270-320 mg tumor size) are presented in FIG. 7.

Median survival for the antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kg i.v. every three days(270-320 mg tumor size) was 46 days and for the polyclonal human IgG at10 mg/kg i.v. every three days (270-320 mg tumor size) was 32.5 days(p=0.0071).

The survival curves for the antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kg i.v. every threedays (400-527 mg tumor size) and for the polyclonal human IgG at 10mg/kg i.v. every three days (400-527 mg tumor size) are presented inFIG. 8. Median survival for the antibody Ab1 at 10 mg/kg i.v. everythree days (400-527 mg tumor size) was 46.5 days and for the polyclonalhuman IgG at 10 mg/kg i.v. every three days (400-527 mg tumor size) was27 days (p=0.0481).

Example 12 Multi-Dose Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Antibody Ab1 inNon-human Primates

Antibody Ab1 was dosed in a single bolus infusion to a single male andsingle female cynomologus monkey in phosphate buffered saline. Plasmasamples were removed at fixed time intervals and the level of antibodyAb1 was quantitated through of the use of an antigen capture ELISAassay. Biotinylated IL-6 (50 μl of 3 μg/mL) was captured on Streptavidincoated 96 well microtiter plates. The plates were washed and blockedwith 0.5% Fish skin gelatin. Appropriately diluted plasma samples wereadded and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature. The supernatantsremoved and an anti-hFc-HRP conjugated secondary antibody applied andleft at room temperature.

The plates were then aspirated and TMB added to visualize the amount ofantibody. The specific levels were then determined through the use of astandard curve. A second dose of antibody Ab1 was administered at day 35to the same two cynomologus monkeys and the experiment replicated usingan identical sampling plan. The resulting concentrations are then plotvs. time as show in FIG. 9.

This humanized full length aglycosylated antibody expressed and purifiedPichia pastoris displays comparable characteristics to mammalianexpressed protein. In addition, multiple doses of this product displayreproducible half-lives inferring that this production platform does notgenerate products that display enhanced immunogenicity.

Example 13 Octet Mechanistic Characterization of Antibody Proteins

IL-6 signaling is dependent upon interactions between IL-6 and tworeceptors, IL-6R1 (CD126) and gp130 (IL-6 signal transducer). Todetermine the antibody mechanism of action, mechanistic studies wereperformed using bio-layer interferometry with an Octet QK instrument(ForteBio; Menlo Park, Calif.) Studies were performed in two differentconfigurations. In the first orientation, biotinylated IL-6 (R&D systemspart number 206-IL-001MG/CF, biotinylated using Pierce EZ-linksulfo-NHS-LC-LC-biotin product number 21338 according to manufacturer'sprotocols) was initially bound to a streptavidin coated biosensor(ForteBio part number 18-5006). Binding is monitored as an increase insignal.

The IL-6 bound to the sensor was then incubated either with the antibodyin question or diluent solution alone. The sensor was then incubatedwith soluble IL-6R1 (R&D systems product number 227-SR-025/CF) molecule.If the IL-6R1 molecule failed to bind, the antibody was deemed to blockIL-6/IL-6R1 interactions. These complexes were incubated with gp130 (R&Dsystems 228-GP-010/CF) in the presence of IL-6R1 for stability purposes.If gp130 did not bind, it was concluded that the antibody blocked gp130interactions with IL-6.

In the second orientation, the antibody was bound to a biosensor coatedwith an anti-human IgG1 Fc-specific reagent (ForteBio part number18-5001). The IL-6 was bound to the immobilized antibody and the sensorwas incubated with IL-6R1. If the IL-6R1 did not interact with the IL-6,then it was concluded that the IL-6 binding antibody blocked IL-6/IL-6R1interactions. In those situations where antibody/IL-6/IL-6R1 wasobserved, the complex was incubated with gp130 in the presence ofIL-6R1. If gp130 did not interact, then it was concluded that theantibody blocked IL-6/gp130 interactions. All studies were performed ina 200 μL final volume, at 30 C and 1000 rpms. For these studies, allproteins were diluted using ForteBio's sample diluent buffer (partnumber 18-5028).

Results are presented in FIG. 10 (A-E) and FIG. 11.

Example 14 Peptide Mapping

In order to determine the epitope recognized by Ab1 on human IL-6, theantibody was employed in a western-blot based assay. The form of humanIL-6 utilized in this example had a sequence of 183 amino acids inlength (shown below). A 57-member library of overlapping 15 amino acidpeptides encompassing this sequence was commercially synthesized andcovalently bound to a PepSpots nitrocellulose membrane (JPT Peptidetechnologies, Berlin, Germany). The sequences of the overlapping 15amino acid peptides is shown in FIG. 12 and correspond to SEQ ID NOs:590-646. Blots were prepared and probed according to the manufacturer'srecommendations.

Briefly, blots were pre-wet in methanol, rinsed in PBS, and blocked forover 2 hours in 10% non-fat milk in PBS/0.05% Tween (Blocking Solution).The Ab1 antibody was used at 1 mg/ml final dilution, and theHRP-conjugated Mouse Anti-Human-Kappa secondary antibody (SouthernBioTech #9220-05) was used at a 1:5000 dilution. Antibodydilutions/incubations were performed in blocking solution. Blots weredeveloped using Amersham ECL advance reagents (GE#RPN2135) andchemiluminescent signal documented using a CCD camera (Alphalnnotec).The results of the blots is shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

The sequence of the form of human IL-6 utilized to generate peptidelibrary is set forth:

(SEQ ID NO: 1)          VPPGEDSKDVAAPHRQPLTSSERIDKQIRYILDGISALRKETCNKSNMCESSKEALAENNLNLPKMAEKDGCFQSGFNEETCLVKIITGLLEFEVYLEYLQNRFESSEEQARAVQMSTKVLIQFLQKKAKNLDAITTPDPTTNASLLTKLQAQNQWLQDMTTHLILRSFK EFLQSSLRALRQM.

Example 15 Ab1 has High Affinity for IL-6

Surface plasmon resonance was used to measure association rate (K_(a)),dissociation rate (K_(d)) and dissociation constant (K_(D)) for Ab1 toIL-6 from rat, mouse, dog, human, and cynomolgus monkey at 25° C. (FIG.15A). The dissociation constant for human IL-6 was 4 pM, indicating veryhigh affinity. As expected, affinity generally decreased withphylogenetic distance from human. The dissociation constants of Ab1 forIL-6 of cynomolgus monkey, rat, and mouse were 31 pM, 1.4 nM, and 0.4nM, respectively. Ab1 affinity for dog IL-6 below the limit ofquantitation of the experiment.

The high affinity of Ab1 for mouse, rat, and cynomolgus monkey IL-6suggest that Ab1 may be used to inhibit IL-6 of these species. Thishypothesis was tested using a cell proliferation assay. In brief, eachspecies's IL-6 was used to stimulate proliferation of TI 165 cells, andthe concentration at which Ab1 could inhibit 50% of proliferation (IC50)was measured. Inhibition was consistent with the measured dissociationconstants (FIG. 15B). These results demonstrate that Ab1 can inhibit thenative IL-6 of these species, and suggest the use of these organisms forin vitro or in vivo modeling of IL-6 inhibition by Ab1

Example 16 Multi-Dose Pharmacokinetic Evaluation of Antibody Ab1 inHealthy Human Volunteers

Antibody Ab1 was dosed in a single bolus infusion in histidine andsorbitol to healthy human volunteers. Dosages of 1 mg, 3 mg, 10 mg, 30mg or 100 mg were administered to each individual in dosage groupscontaining five to six individuals. Plasma samples were removed at fixedtime intervals for up to twelve weeks. Human plasma was collected viavenipuncture into a vacuum collection tube containing EDTA. Plasma wasseparated and used to assess the circulating levels of Ab1 using amonoclonal antibody specific for Ab1, as follows. A 96 well microtiterplate was coated overnight with the monoclonal antibody specific for Ab1in 1×PBS overnight at 40° C. The remaining steps were conducted at roomtemperature. The wells were aspirated and subsequently blocked using0.5% Fish Skin Gelatin (FSG) (Sigma) in 1×PBS for 60 minutes. Humanplasma samples were then added and incubated for 60 minutes, thenaspirated, then 50 ul of 1 μg/mL biotinylated IL-6 was then added toeach well and incubated for 60 minutes. The wells were aspirated, and 50μL streptavidin-HRP (Pharmingen), diluted 1:5,000 in 0.5% FSG/PBS, wasadded and incubated for 45 minutes. Development was conducted usingstandard methods employing TMB for detection. Levels were thendetermined via comparison to a standard curve prepared in a comparableformat.

Average plasma concentration of Ab1 for each dosage group versus time isshown in FIG. 16. Mean AUC and C_(max) increased linearly with dosage(FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, respectively). For dosages of 30 mg and above, theaverage Ab1 half-life in each dosage group was between approximately 25and 30 days (FIG. 19).

Example 17 Pharmacokinetics of Ab1 in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Antibody Ab1 was dosed in a single bolus infusion in phosphate bufferedsaline to five individuals with advanced cancer. Each individualreceived a dosage of 80 mg (n=2) or 160 mg (n=3) of Ab1. Plasma sampleswere drawn weekly, and the level of antibody Ab1 was quantitated as inExample 16.

Average plasma concentration of Ab1 in these individuals as a functionof time is shown in FIG. 20. The average Ab1 half-life was approximately31 days.

Example 18 Unprecedented Half-Life of Ab1

Overall, the average half-life of Ab1 was approximately 31 days inhumans (for dosages of 10 mg and above), and approximately 15-21 days incynomolgus monkey. The Ab1 half-life in humans and cynomolgus monkeysare unprecedented when compared with the half-lives of other anti-IL-6antibodies (FIG. 21). As described above, Ab1 was derived fromhumanization of a rabbit antibody, and is produced from Pichia pastorisin an aglycosylated form. These characteristics results in an antibodywith very low immunogenicity in humans. Moreover, the lack ofglycosylation prevents Ab1 from interacting with the Fc receptor orcomplement. Without intent to be limited by theory, it is believed thatthe unprecedent half-life of Ab1 is at least partially attributable tothe humanization and lack of glycosylation. The particular sequenceand/or structure of the antigen binding surfaces may also contribute toAb1's half-life.

Example 19 Ab1 Effect on Hemoglobin Concentration, Plasma LipidConcentration, and Neutrophil Counts in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Antibody Ab1 was dosed in a single bolus infusion in phosphate bufferedsaline to eight individuals with advanced cancer (NSCLC, colorectalcancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or mesothelioma). Each individual received adosage of 80 mg, 160 mg, or 320 mg of Ab1. Blood samples were removedjust prior to infusion and at fixed time intervals for six weeks, andthe hemoglobin concentration, plasma lipid concentration, and neutrophilcounts were determined. Average hemoglobin concentration rose slightly(FIG. 22), as did total cholesterol and triglycerides (FIG. 23), whilemean neutrophil counts fell slightly (FIG. 24).

These results further demonstrate some of the beneficial effects ofadministration of Ab1 to chronically ill individuals. Because IL-6 isthe main cytokine responsible for the anemia of chronic disease(including cancer-related anemia), neutralization of IL-6 by Ab1increases hemoglobin concentration in these individuals. Similarly, asIL-6 is centrally important in increasing neutrophil counts ininflammation, the observed slight reduction in neutrophil counts furtherconfirms that Ab1 inhibits IL-6. Finally, IL-6 causes anorexia as wellas cachexia in these patients; neutralization of IL-6 by Ab1 results inthe return of appetite and reversal of cachexia. The increase in plasmalipid concentrations reflect the improved nutritional status of thepatients. Taken together, these results further demonstrate that Ab1effectively reverses these adverse consequences of IL-6 in thesepatients.

Example 20 Ab1 Suppresses Serum CRP in Healthy Volunteers and inPatients with Advanced Cancer Introduction

Serum CRP concentrations have been identified as a strong prognosticindicator in patients with certain forms of cancer. For example,Hashimoto et al. performed univariate and multivariate analysis ofpreoperative serum CRP concentrations in patients with hepatocellularcarcinoma in order to identify factors affecting survival and diseaserecurrence (Hashimoto, K., et al., Cancer, 103(9):1856-1864 (2005)).Patients were classified into two groups, those with serum CRPlevels>1.0 mg/dl (“the CRP positive group”) and those with serum CRPlevels<1.0 mg/dl (“the CRP negative group”). The authors identified “asignificant correlation between preoperative serum CRP level and tumorsize.” Id. Furthermore, the authors found that “[t]he overall survivaland recurrence-free survival rates in the CRP-positive group weresignificantly lower compared with the rates in the CRP-negative group.”Id. The authors concluded that the preoperative CRP level of patients isan independent and significant predictive indicator or poor prognosisand early recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Similar correlations have been identified by other investigators. Forexample, Karakiewicz et al. determined that serum CRP was an independentand informative predictor of renal cell carcinoma-specific mortality(Karakiewicz, P. I., el al., Cancer, 110(6):1241-1247 (2007)).Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for methods and/ortreatments that reduce serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentrations incancer patients, and particularly those with advanced cancers.

Methods

Healthy volunteers received a single 1-hour intravenous (IV) infusion ofeither 100 mgs (5 patients), 30 mgs (5 patients), 10 mgs (6 patients), 3mgs (6 patients) or 1 mg (6 patients) of the Ab1 monoclonal antibody,while another 14 healthy volunteers received intravenous placebo.Comparatively, 2 patients with advanced forms of colorectal cancerreceived a single 1-hour intravenous (IV) infusion of 80 mgs of the Ab1monoclonal antibody. No further dosages of the Ab1 monoclonal antibodywere administered to the test population.

Patients were evaluated prior to administration of the dosage, andthereafter on a weekly basis for at least 5 weeks post dose. At the timeof each evaluation, patients were screened for serum CRP concentration.

Results

Healthy Volunteers

As noted above, serum CRP levels are a marker of inflammation;accordingly, baseline CRP levels are typically low in healthyindividuals. The low baseline CRP levels can make a further reduction inCRP levels difficult to detect Nonetheless, a substantial reduction inserum CRP concentrations was detectable in healthy volunteers receivingall concentrations of the Ab1 monoclonal antibody, compared to controls(FIG. 25). The reduction in serum CRP levels was rapid, occurring withinone week of antibody administration, and prolonged, continuing at leastthrough the final measurement was taken (8 or 12 weeks from antibodyadministration).

Cancer Patients

Five advanced cancer patients (colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, orNSCLC) having elevated serum CRP levels were dosed with 80 mg or 160 mgof Ab1. Serum CRP levels were greatly reduced in these patients (FIG.26A). The reduction in serum CRP levels was rapid, with 90% of thedecrease occurring within one week of Ab1 administration, and prolonged,continuing at least until the final measurement was taken (up to twelveweeks). The CRP levels of two representative individuals are shown inFIG. 26B. In those individuals, the CRP levels were lowered to below thenormal reference range (less than 5-6 mg/I) within one week. Thus,administration of Ab1 to advanced cancer patients can cause a rapid andsustained suppression of serum CRP levels.

Example 21 Ab1 Improved Muscular Strength, Improved Weight, and ReducedFatigue in Patients with Advanced Cancer Introduction

Weight loss and fatigue (and accompanying muscular weakness) are verycommon symptoms of patients with advanced forms of cancer, and thesesymptoms can worsen as the cancer continues to progress. Fatigue, weightloss and muscular weakness can have significant negative effects on therecovery of patients with advanced forms of cancer, for example bydisrupting lifestyles and relationships and affecting the willingness orability of patients to continue cancer treatments. Known methods ofaddressing fatigue, weight loss and muscular weakness include regularroutines of fitness and exercise, methods of conserving the patient'senergy, and treatments that address anemia-induced fatigue and muscularweakness. Nevertheless, there remains a need in the art for methodsand/or treatments that improve fatigue, weight loss and muscularweakness in cancer patients.

Methods

Four patients with advanced forms of cancer (colorectal cancer (2),NSCLC (1), cholangiocarcinoma (1) received a single 1-hour intravenous(IV) infusion of either 80 mgs or 160 mgs of the Ab1 monoclonalantibody. No further dosages of the Ab1 monoclonal antibody wereadministered to the test population.

Patients were evaluated prior to administration of the dosage, andthereafter for at least 6 weeks post dose. At the time of eachevaluation, patients were screened for the following: a.) any change inweight; b.) fatigue as measured using the Facit-F Fatigue Subscalequestionnaire a medically recognized test for evaluating fatigue (See,e.g., Cella, D., Lai, J. S., Chang, C. H., Peterman, A., & Slavin, M.(2002). Fatigue in cancer patients compared with fatigue in the generalpopulation. Cancer, 94(2), 528-538; Cella, D., Eton, D. T., Lai, F J-S.,Peterman, A. H & Merkel, D. E. (2002). Combining anchor and distributionbased methods to derive minimal clinically important differences on theFunctional Assessment of Cancer Therapy anemia and fatigue scales.Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, 24 (6) 547-561.); and hand-gripstrength (a medically recognized test for evaluating muscle strength,typically employing a handgrip dynamometer).

Results

Weight Change

The averaged data for both dosage concentrations (80 mgs and 160 mgs) ofthe Ab1 monoclonal antibody demonstrated an increase of about 2kilograms of weight per patient over the period of 6 weeks (FIG. 29).

Fatigue

The averaged data for both dosage concentrations (80 mgs and 160 mgs) ofthe Ab1 monoclonal antibody demonstrated an increase in the mean Facit-FFS subscale score of at least about 10 points in the patient populationover the period of 6 weeks (FIG. 30).

Hand-Grip Strength

The averaged data for both dosage concentrations (80 mgs and 160 mgs) ofthe Ab1 monoclonal antibody demonstrated an increase in the meanhand-grip strength of at least about 10 percent in the patientpopulation over the period of 6 weeks (FIG. 31).

Example 22 Ab1 for Prevention of Thrombosis

Prior studies have shown that administration of an anti-IL-6 antibodycan cause decreased platelet counts. Emilie, D. et al, Blood,84(8):2472-9 (1994); Blay el al., Int J Cancer, 72(3):424-30 (1997).These results have apparently been viewed as an indicator of potentialdanger, because further decreases in platelet counts could causecomplications such as bleeding. However, Applicants have now discernedthat inhibiting IL-6 restores a normal coagulation profile, whichApplicants predict will prevent thrombosis. Decreased platelet countsresulting from inhibition of IL-6 is not a sign of potential danger butrather reflects the beneficial restoration of normal coagulation.

The mechanism by which normal coagulation is restored is believed toresult from the interplay between IL-6 and the acute phase reaction. Inresponse to elevated IL-6 levels, as for example in a cancer patient,the liver produces acute phase proteins. These acute phase proteinsinclude coagulation factors, such as Factor II, Factor V, Factor VIII,Factor IX, Factor XI, Factor XII, F/fibrin degradation products,thrombin-antithrombin III complex, fibrinogen, plasminogen, prothrombin,and von Willebrand factor. This increase in coagulation factors may bemeasured directly, or may be inferred from functional measurements ofclotting ability. Antagonists of IL-6, such as Ab1, suppresses acutephase proteins, e.g., Serum Amyloid A (see FIG. 32 and Example 10).Applicants now predict that this suppression of acute phase proteinswill restore the normal coagulation profile, and thereby preventthrombosis. The restoration of normal coagulation may cause a slightdrop in platelet counts, but the patient will nonetheless retain normalcoagulation ability and thus will not have an increased risk ofbleeding. Such a treatment will represent a vast improvement over theavailable anticoagulation therapies whose usefulness is limited by therisk of adverse side-effects, such as major bleeding.

Applicants contemplate that the same beneficial effects of inhibitingIL-6 will be obtained regardless of the method of inhibition. Suitablemethods of inhibiting IL-6 include administration of anti-IL-6antibodies, antisense therapy, soluble IL-6 receptor, etc. eitherindividually or in combinations.

Example 23 Ab1 Increases Plasma Albumin Concentration in Patients withAdvanced Cancer Introduction

Serum albumin concentrations are recognized as predictive indicators ofsurvival and/or recovery success of cancer patients. Hypoalbumeniacorrelates strongly with poor patient performance in numerous forms ofcancer. For example, in one study no patients undergoing systemicchemotherapy for metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma and having serumalbumin levels less than 3.5 g/dL successfully responded to systemicchemotherapy (Fujishiro, M., et aL, Hepatogastroenterology,47(36):1744-46 (2000)). The authors conclude that “[p]atients with . . .hypoalbuminemia . . . might be inappropriate candidates for systemicchemotherapy and might be treated with other experimental approaches orsupportive care.” Id.

Similarly, Senior and Maroni state that “[t]he recent appreciation thathypoalbuminemia is the most powerful predictor of mortality in end-stagerenal disease highlights the critical importance of ensuring adequateprotein intake in this patient population.” (J. R. Senior and B. J.Maroni, Am. Soc. Nutr. Sci., 129:313S-314S (1999)).

In at least one study, attempts to recitfy hypoalbuminemia in 27patients with metastatic cancer by daily intravenous albumin infusion of20 g until normal serum albumin levels (>3.5 g/dl) were achieved hadlittle success. The authors note that “[a]lbumin infusion for theadvanced stage cancer patients has limited value in clinical practice.Patients with PS 4 and hypoalbuminemia have poorer prognosis.”(Demirkazik, A., et al., Proc. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncol., 21:Abstr 2892(2002)).

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for methods and/ortreatments that improve serum albumin concentrations in cancer patientsand address hypoalbuminemic states in cancer patients, particularlythose with advanced cancers.

Methods

Four patients with advanced forms of cancer (colorectal cancer (2),NSCLC (1), cholangiocarcinoma (1) received a single 1-hour intravenous(IV) infusion of either 80 mgs or 160 mgs of the Ab1 monoclonalantibody. No further dosages of the Ab1 monoclonal antibody wereadministered to the test population.

Patients were evaluated prior to administration of the dosage, andthereafter for at least 6 weeks post dose. At the time of eachevaluation, patients were screened for plasma albumin concentration.

Results

The averaged data for both dosage concentrations (80 mgs and 160 mgs) ofthe Ab1 monoclonal antibody demonstrated an increase of about 5 g/L ofplasma albumin concentration per patient over the period of 6 weeks(FIG. 33).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of inhibiting or treating inflammationassociated with elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) comprising administeringan antibody or antibody fragment to a subject in need thereof, whereinthe antibody or antibody fragment comprises variable light (VL) chaincomplementarity determining regions (CDRs) of SEQ ID NO:4, 5 and 6, andvariable heavy (VH) chain CDRs of SEQ ID NO:7, 8 or 120, and 9,respectively.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibodyfragment comprises (a) a VL chain polypeptide sequence which is at least90% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:699, SEQ IDNO:20 or SEQ ID NO:2, and (b) a VH chain polypeptide sequence which isat least 90% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:657,SEQ ID NO:19, or SEQ ID NO:3.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein saidantibody or antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting ofFab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, IgNAR, SMIP, camelbodies, nanobodies and scFvs.4. The method of claim 2, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment isselected from the group consisting of human, chimeric and humanizedantibodies and fragments thereof.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein theantibody or antibody fragment comprise (a) a VL chain polypeptidesequence which is at least 95% identical to the polypeptide sequences ofSEQ ID NO:699, SEQ ID NO:20 or SEQ ID NO:2, and (b) a VH chainpolypeptide sequence which is at least 95% identical to the polypeptidesequences of SEQ ID NO:657, SEQ ID NO:19, or SEQ ID NO:3.
 6. The methodof claim 5, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is selected fromthe group consisting of Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, IgNAR, SMIP,camelbodies, nanobodies and scFvs.
 7. The method of claim 5, whereinsaid antibody or antibody fragment is selected from the group consistingof human, chimeric and humanized antibodies and fragments thereof. 8.The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibody fragmentcomprises (a) a VL chain polypeptide sequence which is at least 98%identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:699, SEQ ID NO:20 orSEQ ID NO:2, and (b) a VH chain polypeptide sequence which is at least98% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:657, SEQ IDNO:19, or SEQ ID NO:3.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said antibodyor antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting of Fab, Fab′,F(ab′)₂, Fv, IgNAR, SMIP, camelbodies, nanobodies and scFvs.
 10. Themethod of claim 8, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment isselected from the group consisting of human, chimeric and humanizedantibodies and fragments thereof.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein theantibody or antibody fragment comprises (a) a VL chain polypeptidesequence which is identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ IDNO:699, SEQ ID NO:20 and or SEQ ID NO:2, and (b) a VH chain polypeptidesequence which is identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ IDNO:657, SEQ ID NO:19, or SEQ ID NO:3.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is selected from the groupconsisting of Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, IgNAR, SMIP, camelbodies,nanobodies and scFvs.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said antibodyor antibody fragment is selected from the group consisting of human,chimeric and humanized antibodies and fragments thereof.
 14. The methodof claim 1, wherein said antibody or antibody fragment is selected fromthe group consisting of human, chimeric and humanized antibodies andfragments thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody orantibody fragment has an in vivo half-life of at least about 22 days ina healthy human subject.
 16. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibodyor antibody fragment has an in vivo half-life of at least about 25 daysin a healthy human subject.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein theantibody or antibody fragment has an in vivo half-life of at least about30 days in a healthy human subject.
 18. The method of claim 1, whereinthe antibody or antibody fragment has a binding affinity (Kd) for IL-6of less than about 50 picomolar, or a rate of dissociation (K_(off))from IL-6 of less than or equal to 10⁻⁴ S⁻¹.
 19. The method of claim 1,wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is non-glycosylated.
 20. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment contains anFc region that has been modified to alter effector function, half-life,proteolysis, and/or glycosylation.
 21. The method of claim 1, whereinthe antibody or antibody fragment is a human, humanized, single chain,or chimeric antibody.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein said antibodyor antibody fragment further comprises a human Fc.
 23. The method ofclaim 22, wherein said human Fc is derived from IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4,IgG5, IgG6, IgG7, IgG8, IgG9, IgG10, IgG11, IgG12, IgG13, IgG14, IgG15,IgG16, IgG17, IgG18 or IgG19.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein saidhuman Fc is derived from IgG1.
 25. The method of claim 1, which resultsin the subject's Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) being improved.
 26. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment isco-administered with another anti-inflammatory agents.
 27. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment is co-administeredwith an antagonist of a factor selected from the group consisting oftumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon gamma, interleukin 1 alpha,interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 6, proteolysis inducing factor,leukemia-inhibitory factor, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-18,IFN-α, IFN-γ, BAFF, CXCL13, IP-10, VEGF, EPO EGF, HRG, Hepatocyte GrowthFactor (HGF), Hepcidin, or any combination thereof.
 28. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the disease is a chronic inflammatory condition. 29.The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibody fragmentcomprises (a) a light chain polypeptide sequence which is at least 90%identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:702 or SEQ IDNO:706, and (b) a heavy chain polypeptide sequence which is at least 90%identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:704 or SEQ IDNO:708.
 30. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibodyfragment comprises (a) a light chain polypeptide sequence which is atleast 95% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:702 or SEQID NO:706, and (b) a heavy chain polypeptide sequence which is at least95% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:704 or SEQ IDNO:708.
 31. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibodyfragment comprises (a) a light chain polypeptide sequence which is atleast 98% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:702 or SEQID NO:706, and (b) a heavy chain polypeptide sequence which is at least98% identical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:704 or SEQ IDNO:708.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody or antibodyfragment comprises D (a) a light chain polypeptide sequence which isidentical to the polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:702 or SEQ IDNO:706, and (b) a heavy chain polypeptide sequence which is identical tothe polypeptide sequences of SEQ ID NO:704 or SEQ ID NO:708.